“You have to make rational decisions. He showed good coaching abilities at Middlesbrough and last season. So let him do his process. I think he has a good staff.”

Ten Hag endured a mixed spell at United. He was responsible for delivering two domestic trophies, including an FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in 2024. But by the time he was relieved of his duties in autumn of the same year, things had turned toxic.

That hasn't stopped Ten Hag from developing an affinity for the club, with the ex-Ajax boss remarking: “I enjoyed every minute in Manchester United; I have such wonderful memories.

“I really want United to win. I want them to be successful again. I want the club to be back where it once was.

“The leadership, you need their competence, you need the right strategy. What is your identity? What are the work methods? You need the right structures and quality people. Then you need time.”

Currently in charge of turning United's fortunes around on and off the pitch are INEOS. Ten Hag was in charge when Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. took over, and reflecting on that time, he described it as bringing 'a lot of noise'.

He added: “The takeover process brought a lot of noise, uncertainty with the people, and disruptions. So that was for the manager, for the coach, it was difficult to work, that’s clear. It was very complicated.

“Then every press conference , they ask me if the structure should be changed. I always want to cooperate in a club — you can’t do this on your own.

“You need to find a strategy about philosophy, game model, about team profile, individual profiles. That is what I was used to, but with them there was no communication.”

After being sacked by United, Ten Hag returned to management in the summer of 2025, replacing Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. However, he lasted just three matches before being given the boot there, with Ten Hag now the sporting director at Dutch side FC Twente.