Erik ten Hag has opened up on the legacy Sir Alex Ferguson left at Manchester United, following the former manager’s induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
Ferguson and ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger have become the first managers to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, with the former having retired as the most successful coach in English football history.
Ferguson led Manchester United to 13 league titles during an illustrious career at Old Trafford before his departure from the game in 2013.
Ten Hag has discussed Ferguson’s success at the club and believes his ability to ‘rebuild and reconstruct’ new teams was the key factor in the Scot’s success.
“First of all, he knew when to rebuild and reconstruct a new team because he did it over two decades and, every time, he was successful,” Ten Hag said, as per the club’s official website.
“He did it with a balance of homegrown players and bringing big stars in. He got the best out of it, like working with Eric Cantona, working with Wayne Rooney. That is huge if you are able to handle those personalities, but also to let them play as a team.
“That was always one of his most important qualities – that the team is always above any individual. It’s difficult to construct one winning team. He did it so many times over 26 years!”
Ten Hag is in his first season as Manchester United manager and won his first silverware with League Cup success last month. The Dutchman’s side are also in contention for the FA Cup and Europa League and Ten Hag credited Ferguson for setting the standard for success at Old Trafford.
“You feel it every day because he left a legacy and Manchester United is Alex Ferguson.
“He set the highest standards, the highest values, and brought the winning attitude. He built that in the club and that is the standard that you must face if you want to play for Manchester United or work for Manchester United.”
