Bryan Robson explains how Erik ten Hag is taking similar approach to Man United great Sir Alex Ferguson
Former Man United star Bryan Robson has lauded Reds boss Erik ten Hag for the job he is doing at Old Trafford.
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Erik ten Hag is taking a similar approach to former Reds manager Sir Alex Ferguson by demanding discipline from his players.
Ten Hag has enjoyed a positive start to life at Old Trafford since arriving at the club from Ajax in the summer, with United currently fifth in the Premier League and into the knockout stages of the Europa League, albeit with a play-off tie against Spanish giants Barcelona to come.
The Dutchman has not been afraid to stamp his authority on the Reds' players - most notably when he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for one match after the Portuguese star refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur last month. The 37-year-old was also made to train alone for a period of time after he stormed down the tunnel.
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Robson has suggested he is not surprised that Ten Hag has enjoyed a positive start to his reign at United boss, claiming that he knew the club was in good hands after meeting the manager during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
"I got to know Erik ten Hag on the pre-season tour. We were away for 17, 18 days so on a trip like that you get to meet and get to know the players and staff more than at other times," he said.
"Myself, Denis Irwin and Andy Cole went to all the training sessions so we chatted to the manager and his staff. I think he will do a really good job for Manchester United, he keeps his feet on the ground and talks a lot of sense. His training sessions were really good. He puts in place exactly what he wants.
"If the players are a little bit indisciplined off the pitch he soon cracks down on them."
Robson added: "He will get a lot of support from the club and I believe he will do a very good job for us."
The former England midfielder witnessed at first-hand Ferguson's strict code of discipline at Old Trafford, but claimed that the Scotsman - like Ten Hag has done - was quick to gain respect from his players.
"Sir Alex Ferguson is still ‘The Gaffer’, ‘The Boss’, to us all," Robson explained. "I’m lucky enough because we share the same passion with horse racing that I see him a lot. With a couple of mutual friends we go maybe to Cheltenham, York, and Aintree racing.
"Then I see him on match days at Old Trafford. He still has all that passion and drive about Manchester United and football. I don’t think there’s a player I know who played under ‘The Boss’ who doesn’t call him that or ‘The Gaffer’ now.
"That’s the respect he has got from all the lads who worked under him. He still has that aura and presence no matter where you go. It’s that tremendous respect for him."
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