Erik ten Hag has shown himself to be a deft man-manager this season. He may not get the credit for it as he isn't a happy-go-lucky, jack the lad with the gift of the gab that has got so many other failed managers countless undeserving jobs purely on the basis of their people skills, but it's clear just how good he is at managing a large group of young, millionaire footballers.
Not everyone is these days, just ask Jose Mourinho. You only needed to watch the jubilant scenes after United lifted the Carabao Cup to see the close relationship Ten Hag has already fostered with his squad and what he means to his players.
Lisandro Martinez and Antony, two who have known him longer than anyone else, acted like kids dragging their reluctant father to the dance floor as they cornered Ten Hag, but the Dutchman then joined in with their moves for some lovely scenes. Also read: Bellingham is ready for the role Ten Hag wants him to take on at United It takes a lot of love to get to that point and sometimes it needs to be tough.
It's not all been sunshine and rainbows with Ten Hag and at times he's had to lay down the law and bring back long-lost discipline to the club.