ERIK TEN HAG has broken his silence on the axing of Sir Alex Ferguson as a Manchester United ambassador.
There was shock at Old Trafford this week when their greatest-ever manager was relieved of his £2.16million-a-year role as part of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures.
Ferguson, 82, will still act as a non-executive member of the board and will be welcome at matches.
Current boss Ten Hag has claimed that the axing of the Scot has had an impact on the team and himself.
He said: “Of course, it has an impact on us.
“Sir Alex is Manchester United, he built Manchester United to where the club is now, it impacts us.”
Ferguson will not be at the Prem clash against the Bees as it is claimed the 82-year-old Scot is at a prior engagement.
The Dutchman has leant on Sir Alex in the past, tapping into his experience, and hopes he can still turn to him for help.
He said: “Sir Alex wants to see a winning Manchester United.
“I’m sure he’s always available for every advice, we will need him as we did in the last 2½ years.”
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But Ten Hag admits Ferguson’s success has placed more pressure on his successors.
The ex-Ajax boss is the fifth incumbent since 13-time Prem and twice Champions League winner Fergie retired in 2013.
Ten Hag said: “There’s almost no club in the world where exceptions are so high.
“That’s set from the era of Sir Alex and the rest of us have to deal with this.
“We so far haven’t got to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League — but that’s the ambition.”
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
