Erik ten Hag once again proved his class following his side's 3-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Charlton.
Manchester United proved too good for the League One side with a wonder strike from Antony and a late brace from Marcus Rashford making for a comfortable win.
It was just manager Dean Holden’s fifth game in charge of Charlton, and despite the scoreline, the side showed up a spirited effort.
Advert
The Addicks certainly impressed one man, that being the Red Devils manager himself.
Holden revealed that after the game the Dutchman decided to extend his thanks for the game with a classy gesture.
Holden said, via Utd Plug: "Erik [ten Hag] came to see me after the game and invited me to his office. We shared a beer together, he gave me a bottle of wine for my wife, and the Rashford shirt ."
"More important than that [the gifts], he [Ten Hag] invited me to Carrington to see their way. As a young coach, it's invaluable to learn from some of the best."
Advert
Brilliant to see from the United boss.
Holden is a lifelong United supporter and a season ticket holder, saying that being in the dugout at Old Trafford was a ‘special experience’.
He said, via Manchester Evening News: “It was a special experience. I have stood and sat in every corner of this stadium over the years but never once did I think I would stand in the technical area.
“My dad is next door, 70 years old, been coming here for 60-odd years… wow. For him to see his son coming out is a pretty special moment.”
Advert
He claimed that the final result didn’t reflect the efforts of his players.
Holden continued: “I have pride in the performance and the way we have shown ourselves as a football club on and off the pitch.
“We rode our luck in the first 20 minutes, but which team doesn’t have to do that in the Premier League? We grew into the game.
Advert
“We had a big chance early in the second half and I thought we had a grip of the game, I turned to my left and Erik was bringing them three on, Rashford, Casemiro and [Christian] Eriksen.
“I thought it was a harsh scoreline to be honest, but I am proud of the performance."
Holden says that Ten Hag was extremely complimentary of his team after the game, saying: "He invited me into his office after the game and he told me about the quality of our youngsters, which gives me great pride. My respect for him is even higher.”
The former Ajax boss’ actions had Man United fans comparing him to the great Sir Alex Ferguson.
Advert
One wrote: “Nah he’s fully moving like Fergie I love it!”
Another said: “I still remember when Twitter wasn’t this big, how every manager would talk about their interactions with Sir Alex post games, to hear something similar invokes so much nostalgia.”
A third wrote: “This is giving serious Fergie vibes…”
Topics: Manchester United, Charlton Athletic, Erik Ten Hag, Sir Alex Ferguson