02 April 2023 , 06:30
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Mark Hughes has heaped praise on Erik ten Hag and believes he is the man to lead Manchester United forward despite the uncertainty surrounding the club's long-term future.
Ten Hag has already restored the feel-good factor back at Old Trafford, having led the Red Devils to their first trophy in six years by winning the Carabao Cup in February.
Alongside that, the Red Devils are the only side in the Premier League fighting on four fronts. United currently sit third and could still win two more trophies in the form of the Europa League and the FA Cup.
Hughes, who made over 350 appearances during his time at United, hailed Ten Hag and says he has steadied the ship after a terrible 2021/22 campaign. The Welshman also made glowing comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson's mentality and management.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, via Sky Bet, Hughes said: "Erik ten Hag has come in and steadied the boat that was rocking from side to side. He's going to need to have time and he’s done the initial part of dealing with the demand that was on him as the manager of the club, stabilising everything.
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"He looks like he’s instilled discipline into the group and the club as whole. Playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, his standards for discipline and behaviour were strong, it was one of his mantras. It looks like Ten Hag has taken a little bit of that on board and it seems like he is a very straight forward and structured guy who just tells you as it is.
"Players can respond to that and maybe there were a few that were wavering or going on a different tangent - he's managed to bring everyone together, which was required."
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Ten Hag has a reputation as a strict disciplinarian - just like Fergie (Manchester United via Getty Imag)Ten Hag took over from Ralf Rangnick last May when the club was at rock bottom. They finished with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally last season, having accumulated just 58 from 38 matches.
But, almost a year on, and United look a completely different proposition. They are competing for trophies and Ten Hag has turned the Red Devils into a top-class side once again.
There has been some concern about his future in recent weeks, however, with the club’s future uncertain. The Glazers could sell the Red Devils with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim the frontrunners.
But Hughes believes Man Utd need to stick with Ten Hag for the long haul. "I hope Manchester [United] sticks with Erik ten Hag," he added.
Ten Hag and Ferguson celebrating United's Carabao Cup win in February (Manchester United via Getty Images)"He has a great reputation in Holland, and he's won trophies there - he knows what it's like to have a successful team. Everybody connected to Manchester United wants him to be successful.
"There's been too much turnover and turmoil in recent years and that needs to be stopped. You need that base so that you can spring forward and achieve what your potential allows you to achieve.
"United are in a much better place than they were 12 months ago and that’s a good thing. It seems like the club is back in control of itself and ready to go strong at the end of this season. They are still involved in cup competitions and that push for European places, so there’s a lot to play for. The season could end strongly for them."
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