Erik ten Hag reveals friends warned him not to take Man Utd job but admits he ‘wanted the challenge’ after Sir Alex Ferguson inspiration

No United manager has managed consistent success since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013. The current incumbent has found himself under pressure despite positive signs in his first season in charge, and Ten Hag revealed that he was warned against accepting the role at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag revealed his admiration for Ferguson's treble winning team of 1999 as he outlined why he took the job, telling independent fanzine United We Stand (via The Telegraph): "I loved the teams of Sir Alex, that [Champions League final] win in Barcelona. It was inspiring. A big, successful club was constructed, which then dropped in the last 10 years.

"Everyone was telling me: ‘You can’t succeed in that job’. They said it was impossible. Me? I wanted the challenge. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it was such a great club with such a great fanbase. People love Man United — or they are against Man United. I like clubs like this. Ajax was like this. This job is the most difficult to do, but I want the challenge."

After guiding the Red Devils back to the Champions League with a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, Ten Hag has endured a more rocky campaign so far in 2023-24. The Dutch coach has been on the end of heavy criticism as his side sit sixth in the league table and are in danger of crashing out of the Champions League if they fail to beat Bayern Munich in their final game of the group stage next week.

After beating Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday thanks to two goals from midfielder Scott McTominay, Ten Hag's team are looking to claim another three points on Saturday when they host Bournemouth.