Manchester United fans are loving Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag going for dinner together

Tuesday night was an exciting one for Manchester United fans, and not just because Liverpool were being humiliated by Real Madrid.

Liverpool fans might point out that at least they're in Europe's top tier club competition, whilst United are stuck in the Europa League, but that's not really what football schadenfreude is about.

Instead those of an Old Trafford persuasion would have been enjoying seeing Luka Modric rip through their rivals midfield like butter to help set up the fifth goal for Real.

The standing ovation that followed would have reminded them of the same thing happening to Ronaldo, after the Brazilian scored a hat-trick against United in 2003.

It's a pretty good time to be a United fan right now for their own achievements, rather than just enjoying their rivals downfall, as they're genuinely on the verge of a potential title challenge.

Erik ten Hag's side will also play in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon, although they've got a meeting with Barcelona on Thursday first.

If the manager wanted some tips on how to win a cup final he could do a lot worse than speaking to United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, which is exactly what he did.

The Dutchman was spotted having dinner on Tuesday night with the 13 times Premier League winner, and it's fair to say the fans were excited about the pair meeting up.

"Need this in high quality, framed and hung above my bed so I can stare at it every night before I sleep," one fan swooned.

"The Louvre isn’t even good enough for this photo it’s so good," a second added.

Keeping the theme going, a third said, "Goodbye wedding photograph. THIS is taking a place front and centre on my mantelpiece."

"What I would give to just sit at this table and listen," someone else tweeted.

On the Champions League game going at the same time, a fifth posted, "Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag having a drink together whilst Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid… This Era is beautiful."

And another summed up the mood of most fans, simply replying, "Let them cook."

Some were getting worried about Ferguson's shadow looming over Ten Hag and having a negative effect, as it has on previous managers, whilst others brought up the Scotsman's choice of David Moyes as his heir as a bad sign.

However, the Dutchman's management has so far looked to be too strong to be affected by the legend of the last manager to win the league at Old Trafford.

He has dealt with the Cristiano Ronaldo problem perfectly and his decision to run with the players after they were rock bottom of the league seems to have paid off.