Erik ten Hag's Manchester United prediction has already come true

“He’s got a grip of the club which is really, really big for him,” Sir Alex Ferguson said of Erik ten Hag after Sunday’s Carabao Cup trophy lift at Wembley.

The Dutchman’s authority is what got Manchester United back on track during the first half of the season after their woeful start against Brighton and Brentford. The wheels could have fallen off quickly but his coolness in the face of the flames laid his character bare.

Gary Neville has frequently highlighted how impressed he was when Ten Hag fronted up to a showdown interview with him and Jamie Carragher for Sky Sports in August. Toxicity had infected the dressing room last season but the manager was the key to stabilising the club, especially so amid Cristiano Ronaldo’s tantrums.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag confident of dressing room energy levels

In the matchday programme for Wednesday’s FA Cup clash with West Ham, referencing the Carabao Cup triumph, he wrote: “I am delighted we have won our first trophy together.” Unity is back at United.

He made all members of the squad feel valued in the club’s League Cup success. The disgruntled Ronaldo played no part before his exit but a whopping 28 others players did, with a number of poignant landmarks for some during the run to Wembley.

After a placid showing against them in the league a few days earlier, Alejandro Garnacho notched two assists in the third round win over Aston Villa, showing he had what it takes to perform against Premier League opposition.

In the next round, Brandon Williams earned his first appearance under Ten Hag. In the quarter-finals, Facundo Pellistri and Kobbie Mainoo made their debuts against Charlton.

In the semi-final first leg, Wout Weghorst got his first United goal and Jadon Sancho made his