Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag might have learned from his Newcastle mistake

Erik ten Hag provoked a usually measured, calm-natured Eddie Howe earlier this year, just weeks after emerging victorious in the Carabao Cup final, when Manchester United were travelling to Tyneside for a much-anticipated rematch.

Both clubs were also fighting for a Champions League spot, adding another layer of bite before the clash. Newcastle United blew Ten Hag’s side away, with a despondent Luke Shaw admitting post-match they were “outfought” at St James’ Park.

Supporters did not learn until months later just how much Ten Hag angered Howe. In Amazon’s “We are Newcastle United” fly-on-the-wall documentary, arguably the most memorable scene showed the Toon manager’s reaction to Ten Hag’s press conference.

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The Dutchman had called Newcastle “annoying” to play and urged referee Stuart Attwell to be “consistent” in letting the game flow. These comments backfired.

As the series showed, an irate Howe stepped out of character to deliver a passionate pre-match speech, using Ten Hag’s words to fuel. Newcastle ultimately came flying out of the blocks and barely gave United an inch for 90 minutes.

Fast forward to the present and it is Ten Hag now aiming to exert Carabao Cup revenge following last month’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford. Instead of provoking his counterpart, the United boss had adopted a different approach, preferring to woo the hosts with praise.

"I really respect them,” Ten Hag said this time around. “It's a difficult team to play but it's a good challenge and I like to play against them. We have to rise to the occasion (and) be on our best against them because the way they play is very