Erik ten Hag interrupts Sky Sports interview to apologise for 'disrespectful' gesture towards Paul Ince

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag interrupted his pre-match interview with Sky Sports in order to apologise to Paul Ince.

On Thursday night, Ten Hag’s men arrived at the Amex Stadium looking to further cement themselves in the Premier League’s top four.

Brighton meanwhile were hoping to finish off what has been a stellar season with a late charge for European football.

Prior to kick-off, United boss Ten Hag was seen arriving for his pre-match interview holding a bottle of wine.

Ten Hag handed the bottle of wine to former Reading manager Paul Ince as an apology for failing to invite him for a post-match drink earlier on in the season.

United hosted Reading in the FA Cup at Old Trafford in January and Ince spoke about the disappointment after Ten Hag didn’t invite him for a drink.

Ince said at the time: “I went straight up to see Sir Alex because I got a text from him afterwards to say come up and see me.

“So myself, my wife and Thomas [Ince] went up there and spent an hour with him. It disappointed me because none of the United staff asked me in for a glass of wine. I didn't like that, it's a lack of respect.”

He added: “Whoever it is, win, lose or draw, you say pop in for a drink. Whether it's wine or tea it doesn't really matter. None of their staff did that so that was disappointing.

“I couldn't give a monkey’s but I just pride it on myself, as a manager, whether or not you get beaten, you say come in for a glass of wine.”

Now, Ten Hag has apologised to Ince and explained due to media duties, he didn’t have time to have a drink on the night of the FA Cup clash.

"I owe him one" 😅

Things we didn't expect to see this evening - Erik ten Hag giving Paul Ince a bottle of wine before his pre-match interview 🍷 pic.twitter.com/ZtmS0wGUzD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 4, 2023

Fans were quick to react on social media.

One said: “Ten Hag showing his class.”

Another tweeted: “Class act Ten Hag. Made a mistake earlier in the season which Ince was critical about and had enough about him to make amends.”

A third fan added: “Erik ten Hag showing his class, how on earth some doesn't like him is beyond me.”

Someone else wrote: “Lovely gesture fae Ten Hag there.”