Sir Alex Ferguson waited to congratulate Erik ten Hag after he ended Manchester United’s six-year trophy drought by leading the team to a Carabao Cup triumph.
United beat Newcastle 2-0 at Wembley on Sunday courtesy of a Casemiro header and an own goal from Sven Botman in six first-half minutes.
The Red Devils didn’t add to their lead in the second half but managed the game brilliantly to win a first bit of silverware since the Europa League in 2017.
Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes lifted the trophy together to kick off the Ten Hag reign at Old Trafford.
It completed a perfect week for Ten Hag and United following their huge Europa League play-off win over Barcelona just three days prior.
And after winning on his first ever visit to Wembley, the Dutchman immediately went over to legendary manager Ferguson in the tunnel.
Image: Alamy
The pair, who were seen having dinner recently, shared a wonderful embrace and a few words. Ten Hag revealed the Scot, the club’s most successful manager, was invited into the dressing room for the celebrations.
“He [Sir Alex] was there after the match,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
“He is a happy man tonight.”
Ten Hag, who danced with Lisandro Martinez and Antony in line with their traditions at Ajax, also shook hands with chief executive Richard Arnold, co-owner Avram Glazer, honorary life president and former chairman Martin Edwards and director Mike Edelson.
After some early season wobbles, Ten Hag has brought the good times back to United and they look like a proper team again.
And the 52-year-old wants to follow in the footsteps of Ferguson by creating a special legacy.
Image: Alamy
Speaking at the press conference, he said: “I just love United. When I see already our shirts, when I see the bond with the fans, when I see Old Trafford, when I see the legacy Sir Alex left, so many players, big players were developed in the United teams, it makes a big impression and we want to do the same.
“This team wants to make its own history and its own legacy. When this opportunity came, this is the right club for me, I want to be a part of it.”
Ten Hag brought the Carabao Cup in with him for the presser but forgot to take it with him upon leaving the room and told journalists, “I can leave it because of the next cup!”
Erik ten Hag forgot to take the Carabao Cup trophy after ending Manchester United trophy drought, fans loved his telling comment
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Erik ten Hag made a blunder with the Carabao Cup trophy after Manchester United’s final victory on Sunday, but supporters believe it shows his winner’s mentality.
United ended a six-year silverware drought when they defeated Newcastle United 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho was the last manager to lift a trophy as United boss, when his side won the Europa League in 2017. Now, just eight months into the job, Ten Hag has brought the good times back to Old Trafford.
However, United fans will not be content if that is the only piece of silverware United win under the Dutchman’s leadership. Ten Hag certainly won’t be, as he showed after Sunday’s final.
After goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford had given United the win, in his post-match interviews Ten Hag spoke about the new winning mentality of his side.
At the end of his post-match press conference, the manager inadvertently showed exactly what he meant.
After answering the final question, Ten Hag stood up, thanked the journalists, and headed for the door. Only when a journalist pointed it out did he realise that he’d left the Carabao Cup trophy sitting on the press conference desk.
Everyone, including Ten Hag, saw the funny side of it, but as he collected the cup he said: “I can leave it because the next cup. This one is in!”
Although a tongue-in-cheek remark, there’s no-doubting that Ten Hag isn’t going to rest on his laurels now that he has won his first trophy at United.
Erik ten Hag celebrates with the Carabao Cup trophy. Image: Alamy
With United through to the Europa League round of 16, the FA Cup fifth round and with an outside chance of winning the Premier League, Ten Hag has every reason to demand more titles from his team this season.
On Twitter, United fans were delighted with the winning mentality shown by their manager.
“He’s already thinking about the next plan – my manager,” said @Dianabenso, while @elvis_prate said, “winner’s mentality, onto the next one.”
@claytohn was absolutely clear about what United’s next targets should be: “Yeah, FA cup and Europa next.”
Next up for United are three huge assignments in the three competitions they remain in. On Wednesday they host West Ham in the FA Cup, before they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the league on Sunday.
The following Thursday, Real Betis will be the visitors at Old Trafford for the first leg of a Europa League last-16 tie.
