Steve McClaren pointed out what Manchester United fans already knew about Erik ten Hag

No one expected this at the start of the season. With memories of Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes lofting the Carabao Cup above the heads of their Manchester United teammates still fresh, the FA Cup doesn’t seem too far of reach now after their 3-1 win to West Ham.

United were forced to win the fifth-round tie at Old Trafford the hard way. After a flat first half the rotations that Erik ten Hag made across the board really paid off. By calling through stronger players such as Rashford and Casemiro the United boss was able to inject the momentum his side needed in the second half which led to three vital goals.

Coming back from a goal down to a 3-1 win highlighted the players' determination and showed a side that is not willing to back down - traits that could be needed as hopes for a second trophy grow. Fans and players are still dreaming a third, or even fourth could also come. Expectations and hope are now a far cry away from the doldrums felt at around 8pm of August 13 last year at the Brentford Community Stadium.

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Ten Hag had a rough start to the season with two consecutive losses to Brighton and then Brentford, but these setbacks are something that pushed him to revitalise his United team. The infamous and instant response to the Brentford defeat - making his players turn up for training the following day where he joined them in a 14-kilometre run was an early sign of his commitment to turning things around at Old Trafford.

The manager's smart but ruthless decisions since then have enabled him to lift a trophy and provide an 11-game winning streak for his team and a 19-win streak at their home ground. The Reds are now proving themselves to be a force once again.

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