Former Man Utd star Louis Saha makes Erik ten Hag admission over Cristiano Ronaldo saga

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Erik ten Hag deserves to win the Manager of the Season award ahead of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, partly because of how he handled the Cristiano Ronaldo saga.

The Dutchman, who was appointed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permanent successor last April, has overseen a terrific job in his maiden campaign in charge at Old Trafford, leading United to the Carabao Cup crown and the FA Cup final. The Reds are also on course to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification for next term.

Ten Hag, who has restored United's identity and injected fresh optimism back into the club, has also had to overcome a series of obstacles and challenges along the way, including Ronaldo's bombshell interview with Piers Morgan back in November, in which the Portuguese international criticised the former Ajax boss and accused him of disrespecting him.

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Ten Hag, though his overall project is a long-term one, has restored United's standards and given the supporters plenty of optimism that the club can soon launch a genuine Premier League title charge once again. Furthermore, the prospect of ending his first campaign in charge with two trophies and a top four finish would be an outstanding achievement.

And for former Reds ace Saha, who played for the club between 2004 and 2008, Ten Hag, as a result of the series of challenges he has had to contend with, he would be a worthy winner of the Manager of the Season gong.

"For me it was between Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag," Saha told OLBG. "I will give the edge to Erik ten Hag.

"I think the challenges that he had to face within the team - such as the Cristiano Ronaldo saga