Steve McClaren claims Ten Hag has Sir Alex Ferguson likeness in thrilling Man Utd verdict

Erik ten Hag has the same attention to detail and drive as former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, according to Steve McClaren.

Following the club’s worst Premier League season on record, United have turned to former Ajax boss Ten Hag. The Dutchman has replaced Ralf Rangnick in the dugout and has a massive task on his hands.

The Red Devils finished sixth this season, with manager troubles not the only issue at Old Trafford.

Indeed, Ten Hag needs to inspire a boost in morale in his current squad. However, he will not be alone in his task. The 52-year-old has reunited with McClaren after the pair worked together at FC Twente in the 2008/09 season.

Back then, McClaren was the manager. Now, though, he is now an assistant alongside Ten Hag’s former Ajax ally Mitchell van der Gaag. And McClaren has high hopes for Ten Hag’s tenure.

Speaking to the McClaren Performance podcast with his son Josh, the 61-year-old said: “We had the meetings the day after they [Ajax] celebrated the championship, and it was made official, and we got to work.

“He came to London last week where I met him and Mitchell and [football director] John Murtough, and together we spent five days, six days including yesterday with the press, and seven today.

“The work ethic, the attention to detail has again just been exemplified in the last few days where he’s practically met every member of staff who he’s going to be working very closely with, and in detail has worked out the plan, what each person’s job is.

“It’s like going back in time 10 years ago when I first met him. Everything was mapped out and again that’s the case.”

McClaren added that his relationship with Ten Hag at Twente allowed the former Derby and Middlesbrough boss to “focus, watch,