Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears to have put value in the work of legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson, with the pair meeting for dinner earlier this season.

Erik ten Hag has praised Sir Alex Ferguson’s “eye for creativity” as the Reds boss aims to emulate the title-winning manager at Manchester United.

The pair met for dinner ahead of United’s Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle last month. While some aspects of their conversation will remain private, it is clear that Ten Hag and Ferguson already have a good relationship.

United have not won the Premier League since Ferguson left the club, with the Reds last securing the title in the 2012/13 campaign in his final season in charge. Although Ten Hag’s side are increasingly unlikely to lift the trophy this term, the Dutchman still has the chance to win three honours this campaign.

“Every day he is here and you feel that,” Ten Hag said. “I think he brings the winning mentality but also an eye for creativity.

“Always good strikers, you were one of them, [and] big personalities who decided big games. I think he brought it to this club and it’s great to talk to him about it.”

While the wait for another Premier League title is set to go on at least one more year, a six-year wait for silverware of any kind has been ended. United could yet end Ten Hag’s first season with more than one trophy, with a Europa League quarter-final place all but secured and a chance this weekend to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Ten Hag’s praise for Ferguson has been reciprocated. “United is based on success,” Ferguson told Sky Sports after the Carabao Cup final, “He’s going the right way about it.

“His signings have been really good – I think that was important – and he’s got a grip of the club, which is really big for him. When you come to United, you try to get off to a good start right away and he’s doing well.”