Former Manchester United centre-forward Mark Hughes believes manager Erik ten Hag has brought Sir Alex Ferguson-like standards back to Old Trafford.
The United boss has evidenced his disciplinarian side several times this season, notably when dropping Marcus Rashford against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to the forward oversleeping and arriving late for a pre-match team meeting. Ten Hag's handling of Cristiano Ronaldo also shows that standards around player behaviour and discipline have been raised, much like under Ferguson.
Hughes spent seven years playing under the long-time United manager after returning for a second spell at the club in 1988. The player-turned-manager has explained the similarities he sees between Ten Hag and his predecessor.
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“Erik ten Hag has come in and steadied the boat that was rocking from side to side," Hughes said, speaking to the Mirror via Sky Bet. “He’s going to need time, and he’s done the initial part of dealing with the demand on him as the club's manager, stabilising everything.
“He looks like he’s instilled discipline into the group and the club as a whole. Playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, his standards for discipline and behaviour were strong; it was one of his mantras. It looks like Ten Hag has taken that on board, and it seems he is a very straightforward and structured guy who tells you as it is.
“Players can respond to that, and maybe there were a few that were wavering or going on a different tangent – he’s managed to bring everyone together, which was required.” Hughes added: “I hope Manchester [United] sticks with Erik ten Hag.”
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