Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag deep in conversation over dinner

CHRIS WHEELER: There was something symbolic about the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag deep in conversation over dinner… much of the Dutchman’s early success has been built on a desire to immerse himself in United’s history and culture

• Erik ten Hag revealed he had a ‘great’ relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson
• The United boss was seen in talks with Ferguson at a restaurant on Tuesday
• Ten Hag said the former United boss wants to ‘help and support’ the club 

There was something symbolic about the sight of Sir Alex Ferguson and Erik ten Hag deep in conversation over dinner before tonight’s Europa League play-off second leg between Manchester United and Barcelona.

Ferguson, the man who fought so many epic European duels with Barca while at United, and Ten Hag, the man who must find a way to eliminate the Catalans at Old Trafford in order to reach the last 16.

The picture, reportedly taken at Italian restaurant Cibo in Wilmslow on Tuesday, showed the 81-year-old Scot and the current United boss talking over drinks.

Much of Ten Hag’s early success at United has been built on a desire to immerse himself in the club’s history and culture, and he welcomed the opportunity to tap into Ferguson’s vast knowledge.

‘It’s massive,’ said the Dutchman yesterday. ‘I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience. 

Erik Ten Hag (right) was pictured with United’s legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Ten Hag said he is delighted with his ‘great’ relationship with Sir Alex since he took charge

Manchester United face a huge week with games against Barcelona and a trip to Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday

‘He wants to share it, he wants to help and support. Manchester United is his club and he feels so committed. We are doing well. It was a great night and I look forward to the next night with him.’

Battles with Barca did not always go Ferguson’s way. Were it not for the brilliance of Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League finals of 2009 and 2011, Ferguson would have doubled his number of European Cups won at United. 

But he knocked out Barca en route to conquering Europe in 1999 and 2008 and beat them in the 1991 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final.

United will be disappointed to kick off on level terms tonight having had the better of last week’s first leg, a thrilling 2-2 draw at a packed Nou Camp.

‘Two great teams facing each other at Old Trafford. A massive atmosphere, it’s the best you can get,’ said Ten Hag. ‘It’s February and big games are coming up. We enjoy it and we’re really excited. 

‘When you face a big team like Barcelona, you have to play your best. We have to give the best performance of the season. We believe in it so we have to give a lot of energy.’

The game comes three days before United face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. 

Ten Hag has won plenty of praise for transforming the mood at United, but he knows that will only count for so much if he there is not something to show for it at the end of the season.

Ten Hag speaks occasionally with Sir Alex, who is still a regular at United’s home and away games

Barcelona will be hoping to spoil the party atmosphere atmosphere at Old Trafford on Thursday

‘It’s not about credit, it’s about trophies,’ he said, mindful that United have not lifted one since 2017. ‘We have the opportunity but the first focus point is the next game.’

Having made his Champions League debut for Barca at Old Trafford in the first of two 3-3 draws between the clubs in the 1998-99 group stage, manager Xavi Hernandez knows what to expect tonight.

‘I would give anything to play in this type of game with this atmosphere at Old Trafford,’ said Xavi, who will be without star midfielders Gavi and Pedri but hopes to have veteran Sergio Busquets available. 

‘I’ve told them they should enjoy it. Manchester United are one of the best teams in Europe at the moment. They are the best United I’ve seen in years.’

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