Former Manchester United midfielder, Paul Ince made his return to Old Trafford as Reading manager last night and the former England captain said that Manchester United are heading in the right direction under Erik ten Hag.
Making an impact 💥
Yesterday's best bits, including this @Fred08Oficial finish, have landed 👇#MUFC || #FACup
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 29, 2023
It was not the night that Ince and his Reading side would have wanted as they were eliminated at the fourth-round of the Emirates FA Cup as United won 3-1, thanks to a double from Casemiro and a flick from Fred in the second half, however, Ince received a good reception from the Old Trafford faithful and speaking after the game, he spoke glowingly about ten Hag.
“I think under Ten Hag, in such a short space of time, he’s lifted the whole club,” Ince told reporters in his post-match press conference.
“He seems to have really got the club in the right position it should be to go forward, and it’s his way, it looks like he’s doing all the things. They all look like they’re all pulling together. I’m pleased, I’m really pleased as a [former] Man United player to see hopefully the future looking bright.
“I’m definitely, definitely pleased to see where United are going at this moment in time.”
Even though Ince’s team did not get the result that they desired, the Englishman said that it was “a great experience for the players” to play at such an iconic stadium against one of the famous clubs in the world, in Manchester United.
“[It was] enjoyable, it’s got to be, you’re playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world, you’re playing in front of 74,000 fans at a magnificent stadium. It’s a great experience for the players” [via Man Utd].
“I just said to him, ‘All the best, you’re doing a very good job, I wish you luck in the fifth round’. Simple as that.
“It’d be nice for Ten Hag in his first year to pick up some silverware. He’s got a great opportunity now in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, it depends who you get drawn, but United playing the way they have been, there’s no reason why they can’t” [via Man Utd].