Sir Alex Ferguson identifies what Erik ten Hag needs to change at Manchester United

Former Manchester United player Quinton Fortune has disclosed what Sir Alex Ferguson told him recently at Carrington, which could be crucial to Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager.

Ten Hag has begun planning for next season as he begins his new job as United’s manager. Although the 52-year-old is not due to be at Carrington until the season’s final game against Crystal Palace, he is already working with the team on pre-season preparations.

Ten Hag has previously stated that one of his first responsibilities at the club will be controlling the United locker room. The Reds have been plagued by allegations of unrest among the squad all season, leading to a terrible campaign.

“Now is the time to flip the switch,” Ten Hag stated. “It’s something that’s necessary because there’s a lot to do, and I have the energy for it.”

“It’s all about the dressing room, and you have to be able to control it.” You have to make it work. That is how games are won.”

As he attempts to mend a fractured dressing room, he may seek assistance from United’s best ever manager. Fortune had the opportunity to talk with Ferguson again before returning to Old Trafford for the Legends of the North game against Liverpool on Sunday, with the Scot sharing the key to his own success at the club.

“First and foremost, it’s excellent to sign Erik ten Hag because we now have the manager for the next three years, three and a half years, and what he needs to do first is develop a positive team spirit,” Fortune told the club’s media.

“I was fortunate to hear the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] speak at Carrington a few weeks ago, and he noted something as simple as the team spirit we had when we ate together at the canteen.” It’s something easy that many people overlook, yet it’s what formed that camaraderie – not only among the players but among everyone at Carrington.

“Creating team spirit was a crucial aspect of building a successful club because, as you can see, we have wonderful individuals, but we don’t always play as a team.” We want guys to come to Carrington and put on the red shirt. We know talent exists.

“The style of football, which I’m confident he’ll execute, will take time and the appropriate characteristics to bring in, but he’ll produce a team that will play for each other, play for the club, and loves it.” We need players to go out there smiling, and when you do that, everything else falls into place.”