Erik ten Hag shares trait with Sir Alex Ferguson that explains Manchester United success

Erik ten Hag invited a delighted Sir Alex Ferguson into Manchester United's dressing room after winning the Carabao Cup.

It was a classy gesture from Ten Hag, who had dined with Ferguson prior to that Wembley final, and it was excellent to see the legendary 81-year-old visibly happy to be watching United again after the club became unrecognisable last season.

During the Liverpool debacle at Old Trafford in October 2021, Ferguson was pictured looking desolate and almost inconsolable, but just 16 months later, the club he enjoyed so much success with is heading in the right direction again with Ten Hag's leadership.

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There have been many false dawns since Ferguson's retirement in 2013 but this appointment feels different. There is tangible optimism and unity among supporters, who feel connected with the players, and that has been created by one man.

The Manchester Evening News recently conducted a survey to gauge the mood among the fanbase and readers were emphatic in terms of where they rank Ten Hag among the club's managers in the post-Ferguson era.

The overwhelming majority of over 3,800 fans polled voted for Ten Hag as the best manager since Ferguson's exit, with a total of 2,602 (67 per cent) placing him above Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and David Moyes.

United were suffering the worst trophy drought at the club for over 40 years until this season and it's hoped the Carabao Cup, although hardly the most coveted trophy in England, can be the first of many trophies to come for Ten Hag.

The players were put through their paces and well drilled in pre-season following Ten Hag's appointment and they have reacted well to his