Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag gifted a bottle of wine to Paul Ince in an attempt to mend relations after the Red Devils legend accused him of a "lack of respect".
Ince was Reading manager when the Royals faced United in an FA Cup clash earlier this season, which Ten Hag's side won 3-1. But the former midfielder was left unhappy after Ten Hag did not invite him for a drink after the match.
Ten Hag has now attempted to patch up his relationship with Ince, ahead of United's Premier League trip to Brighton. The Dutchman was interviewed by Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates, Ince, acting as a pundit, and Jamie Redknapp on the pitch ahead of the game.
As he joined the trio in the centre circle, Ten Hag carried over a bottle of wine, which he immediately handed to Ince. After picking up a microphone, the United boss revealed his motivations for the gift.
He said: "I owe him one. There's not always time for a drink after the game. You are always welcome." Ince was left delighted, responding: "That's so kind of you. I appreciate it, we'll have to share it. That's very kind of you, we'll share it after we win the cup final."
After Ten Hag walked away from the interview, Redknapp took the chance to poke fun at his fellow pundit. But he also hailed the United boss for his "classy" decision to attempt to patch things up with Ince.
HAVE YOUR SAY! How would you rate Erik ten Hag's first season as Manchester United boss? Comment below.
"Very nice. That’s a really classy touch. The most amazing thing is he was saying ‘I didn’t even have a drink with him, I didn’t know what he was like.’ Now he’s brought you a nice bottle of wine so you’re not complaining now mate, are you?" Redknapp said.
Ince responded: "No I'm not, but it depends what it tastes like to be fair! Maybe it is a culture thing, normally if you win lose or draw you invite the manager into your office. Obviously he was too busy after and it has been on his mind, but it is a lovely touch and I really appreciate it."
Ince had pulled no punches after Reading's defeat to United back in January. The former Red Devils star has since been sacked by the Championship side, but made his ill-feeling to United's current coaching staff clear.
“I went straight up to see Sir Alex [Ferguson] because I got a text from him afterwards to say ‘come up and see me'. So myself, my wife and Thomas [Ince] went up there and spent an hour with him," he said at the time.
"It disappointed me because none of the United staff asked me in for a glass of wine. I didn’t like that, it’s a lack of respect. Whoever it is, win, lose or draw, you say pop in for a drink. Whether it’s wine or tea it doesn’t really matter.
“None of their staff did that so that was disappointing. I couldn’t give a monkeys but I just pride it on myself, as a manager, whether or not you get beaten, you say come in for a glass of wine.”
