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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Ricky Charlesworth

Why a former Manchester United midfielder says Erik ten Hag reminds him of Sir Alex Ferguson

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe says Erik ten Hag has similar traits to that of legendary former Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Dutchman is in the embryonic stages of his time in the United hot seat but after a shaky start his side have put together four successive Premier League wins.

The biggest test of his regime so far comes on Sunday with a trip to face champions Manchester City. Sharpe, who won three league titles in eight years at the club, sees similarities between the club's greatest boss of all time and the current incumbent.

"I really like Ten Hag. He has the discipline, the work rate and a strong philosophy on how he wants to play," Sharpe told The i in association with freebets.com.

Read more: The making of Sancho into a United star

"He knows that the club is bigger than any player and doesn't allow players to dictate, and in that way he's got an air of Alex Ferguson about him. They're totally different characters with different philosophies in the game but he wants to win, he buys winners and he wants players that fit into his system. It's on the right track and I'm really excited about it."

As for Sunday's clash, Sharpe refused to rule out what would be classed by many as a shock away win. "United have every chance," he added.

"City are phenomenal, they dictate the pace of play, they are strong in every area and have [Erling] Haaland banging in goals. They will have the majority of the ball but United will fancy themselves on the counter."

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