"Wow..." - Man Utd legend compares Ten Hag to Ferguson as 10 year claim made

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel compared Erik ten Hag’s early tenure at Old Trafford to Sir Alex Ferguson’s.

On Thursday United beat Barcelona 2-1 at Old Trafford in a heavyweight Europa League tie, to qualify for the competition’s last-16.

An electric first leg at the Camp Nou saw the sides draw 2-2, however in the reverse leg at Old Trafford second-half goals from United’s Brazilian duo Antony and Fred saw the Reds come from behind to beat the Catalan giants.

The stunning comeback, which Ten Hag labelled as his “biggest win” at United, was another marker of how far the Premier League giants have come since the Dutchman arrived at the club last summer.

Indeed, Schmeichel compared Ten Hag’s United to the teams managed by club-legend Ferguson.

The Scot retired from his position as United manager in 2013 after winning the Premier League title, the last of his 38 trophies following 26 years in charge.

Schmeichel compares Ten Hag to Ferguson

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Schmeichel stressed compared Ten Hag to Ferguson and stressed it had taken ten years of re-building to see United so competitive.

The former goalkeeper said: “'It has taken 10 years to get to this point. For me this season anything can really happen.

“Manchester United can win everything or nothing but we have seen the progress. Every situation has been dealt with properly by Erik ten Hag, like a good manager should.

“Like vintage Sir Alex Ferguson... I am sitting here thinking ‘wow, we have got the right man.’”

Schmeichel was not the only former United star to heap praise on Ten Hag.

United’s 2008 Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves told BT Sport: “It feels everything has changed. The atmosphere, the performance on the pitch, the manager. It feels so much more positive and gives confidence. It feels a different place.

“Ten Hag has transformed this football club. The energy is different. It has been a breath of fresh air. It feels like the feel-good factor is coming back. Sunday [Carabao Cup final] could be another big step.

“[It's] amazing. Everyone is smiling. The manager's changes affected this game and the crowd, this is what they have been dreaming of. They have a huge game on Sunday but this was a big match in Manchester United’s season.”

Topics: Football, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Peter Schmeichel, Sir Alex Ferguson

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.