Schmeichel: 'Ten Hag looks like Alex Ferguson'
"So far Ten Hag has dealt with every issue in a reasonable way," Schmeichel told the BBC. "Whether Man Utd win any titles this season, the team is on the right track. It's been 10 years since the Red Devils have brought this feeling. I sat and thought: 'Oh. Man Utd have chosen the right coach. , and Ten Hag resembles the old Sir Alex'".
Ferguson led Man Utd from 1986 to 2013, with 13 Premier League titles. It has been nine years since Man Utd did not win this tournament, since he retired. They also have not won a title since 2017. Recently, the 82-year-old former coach has appeared more in Man Utd's matches, whether home or away.
Before the second leg of the Champions League knockout round against Barca, Ten Hag sat down to dinner with Ferguson. When asked about the meeting, Ten Hag said: "Man Utd belongs to Ferguson, and he wants to impart his experience to me."
On the evening of February 23, Man Utd conceded a penalty from Robert Lewandowski, after Bruno Fernandes pulled Alejandro Balde in the host's penalty area. Witnessing the behavior of the Man Utd captain, Schmeichel said: "This foul is stupid and completely unnecessary, because Balde is dribbling in the opposite direction of the goal."
Ten Hag's adjustments helped Man Utd win against Barca in the second half, when Fred and Antony respectively scored a 2-1 victory for the host. Midfielder Sergio Busquets admitted Barca were "overwhelmed" in the second half, while coach Xavi Hernandez said Fred's equalizer turned everything upside down.
According to former midfielder Owen Hargreaves, it has been a long time since Old Trafford is so vibrant in a European cup night, although not the Champions League. "Old Trafford is like a different football field today," said the former England midfielder. "Everybody was smiling, and the players and the fans spread a positive atmosphere."
After the match, a few Man Utd players stayed on the field to celebrate with the fans. Center-back Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and midfielder Casemiro repeatedly raised their fists, letting the audience chant with each beat of their hands. When the audience left most of the time, Martinez still lingered on the field with his girlfriend, giving love to each other. He even stayed to sign autographs for fans when the clock was past midnight. Casemiro posted a late birthday post for himself, while Antony congratulated himself on an early birthday with the decisive goal.
