Manchester United’s legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson has been urged to “step back” to give new manager Erik ten Hag a “real go” at being a successful manager at the club.
The former Ajax coach is looking to improve the fortunes of the Old Trafford club which have struggled since Ferguson left the club in 2013. The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season while they also failed to win a trophy once again.
Ten Hag is coming off a sensational spell at Ajax and he is known to demand a lot from his players. But things have not gone off smoothly for him as he has been unable to land his number one transfer target, Frenkie de Jong.
His boat has also been rocked by the news that star striker Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club this summer. The Portugal international who recently returned to training after an extended break has asked the Red Devils to release him from his remaining one-year contract.
The 37-year-old is keen to leave after United failed to qualify for the Champions League. He met with United’s hierarchy earlier this week and former manager Ferguson was reportedly involved in the discussions.
However, the legendary Scotsman has been asked to step back by ex-Premier League striker Darren Bent. The former Tottenham and Aston Villa striker thinks it is best that ten Hag is allowed to make his own decisions without the interference of Fergie.
“He [Sir Alex Ferguson] is the greatest manager in Manchester United’s history, the greatest manager in Premier League history,” Bent told talkSPORT.
“I don’t know what it would be like having someone like that overseeing you on the decision you make.
“You look at Ralf [Rangnick] he made some tame decisions, and there was a big story about that, saying Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have done that.
“I don’t think Erik ten Hag needs that. It would be nice to see Fergie step back from it, and let Ten Hag have a real go.
“If he [Ronaldo] can’t report because he has family issues, I understand that.
“But I don’t think the whole kind of circus has done Erik ten Hag any favours.
“Especially given Ten Hag has come out and said he wants to build his team around Ronaldo. Can you build a team around someone who has made it evidently clear they don’t want to be there?
“I don’t think you can. You try and get as much money for him, you let him go, and then try and move forward with the squad that you have.”
