Manchester United’s decision to remove Sir Alex Ferguson as a paid ambassador at the end of the season caused widespread criticism during the international break. Former players, including Eric Cantona, called the move “scandalous.”

Ten Hag knows his team is far below the standards of Ferguson's dominant era, which saw 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues. He also admitted that discussions about the legendary manager still reach the dressing room.

"Of course, it has an impact on us," the Ten-man stated. "Sir Alex is Man Utd. He built Man Utd to where it is now.

"At the moment we can't match the standards he set but we still won trophies. Sir Alex wants to see a winning Man Utd.

"I'm sure he is always available for advice and we will definitely need him in the short term, as we did in the last two and a half years I have been here.”