Antonio Conte rates Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United start and all but confirms Christian Eriksen approach

Antonio Conte is looking forward to pitting his wits against Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag for the first time and all but confirmed that Tottenham made an unsuccessful move for Christian Eriksen.

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Third-placed Spurs travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday night to take on the fifth-placed Red Devils with seven points separating the two teams – though United have a game in hand.

Ten Hag has started to stamp his mark on United with Eriksen playing a key role – and his absence was keenly felt in Sunday’s stalemate against Newcastle – and Conte feels the Dutchman needs time to fully implement his style of play.

Asked how highly he rates Ten Hag, Conte replied: ‘Honestly I don’t know him very well because we have never played against each other.

‘He did very well with Ajax, for sure. He has taken a great job with United. United is one of the best teams in the world and he’s trying to bring his idea onto the pitch.

‘I think also the club backed him in the transfer market. Like other managers and coaches, he needs time, time to work to try to improve his team.’

Eriksen was believed to have a host of suitors in the summer – when he was available on a free transfer after an eye-catching stint at Brentford – but elected to sign a three-year contract with United.

Tottenham were one of the names linked with a move for their former playmaker and Conte has given the clearest indication yet that he tried to convince his old Inter Milan charge to come back to north London.

Asked about a potential reunion with Eriksen on Wednesday evening, and whether Spurs also tried to sign the free agent during the summer, Conte responded: ‘I think you know I don’t want to speak about players of other teams.

‘For