Erik ten Hag has highlighted the influence of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson on the club after admitting that he regularly keeps in touch with the Scot following his move to Old Trafford in July.
Ten Hag is the fifth permanent manager to take charge of the Red Devils since Ferguson left the club in May 2013; and with United recording limited success in the 10 years since the former Aberdeen boss' reign ended, it is hoped that the Dutchman can turn their fortunes around. With their last major trophy coming five years ago under Jose Mourinho, Ten Hag has adopted a United squad that is arguably in its most tumultuous period in over a quarter of a century - being tasked with a rebuild if the Red Devils are to win silverware once again.
But after a shocking start with two losses in their opening two games of the season to Brighton and Brentford, United are on a run of three consecutive Premier League wins which has seen them rise to eighth in the table. And knowing that a win could take them into the top four at the end of play on Sunday, the Dutchman has revealed that he is in contact with Ferguson about how his tenure is panning out so far; admitting that he knew the job he took on to replicate the Glaswegian was always going to be tough.
"What (Arsene) Wenger did at Arsenal was great, his philosophy I really respect that, but Fergie built all of this," Ten Hag told Sky Sports. "I speak with him, and we are happy with that, so are his advisors, we are grateful but now we have to build a new future, that is also clear.
"I am not such a dreamer, I am more the reality, and I knew it was a big challenge and hard work. I have been so busy I didn't notice it has been 100 days, but that is a good signal. What I am doing is a football process. I love to manage that on and also off the pitch. I really enjoy it, it excites and challenges me and it is good to have this experience."
United take on Mikel Arteta's table-topping Gunners at the weekend, with the away side having failed to drop a single point in the Premier League so far. A tough game is expected, and Ten Hag understands the severity of the tie that became the Premier League's most anticipated fixture for many years at the turn of the century.
"Top games, big history between the two clubs, both with incredibly good players and good managers but it is now about Sunday, it is new, we have to build a future. My team in England was always Manchester United, I always supported this club, from the past I loved watching (David) Beckham, (Paul) Scholes, (Rio) Ferdinand and (Ryan) Giggs, I always liked them."
