Sir Alex Ferguson tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe two vital traits next Man Utd manager must have

As pressure rises on Erik ten Hag, Sir Alex Ferguson has been clear about the vital attributes that any future Manchester United manager must possess.

Sir Alex Ferguson has identified two attributes that a Manchester United manager must possess: a positive attitude and effective communication abilities.

The great Scotsman left the club in 2013, and replacing his reputation has proven more difficult than any Red Devils supporter could have anticipated. Erik ten Hag is the club’s seventh permanent coach in 11 years, but his tenure appears to be coming to an end with a crucial board meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

Ten Hag presided over United’s worst-ever Premier League finish last season, which was followed by the club’s worst-ever league start this season. Ten Hag, who was apparently handed the last two games against Porto and Aston Villa to save his job, both of which resulted in draws, is now facing the axe, with Thomas Tuchel being lined up to take his place.

If Ten Hag leaves and a new manager is hired, Ferguson has told Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. what the perfect candidate should have in their locker.

“I think that manager role has gone now,” Ferguson said while appearing on The Go Radio Business Show with Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey.

“I was fortunate to have a stint as manager at United, when I had influence over the majority of the club, because I immersed myself in it and, more importantly, I had the personality and communication abilities to do so.

“It is really important if you are going to manage a club the size of Manchester United: you do need a good personality, and you need some really good organisational skills in terms of dealing with different types of personalities and different types of players,” he said.

“And, also, the fans from all over the world, you have to be aware you have to deliver not just for your players, but for a massive fanbase.”

The Scotsman went on to emphasize the significance of one thing that every future United manager should learn: the Red Devils’ proclivity for giving young stars a chance.

“I learned a lot taking that step from Aberdeen,” Ferguson added. “Aberdeen was pleasant; I had control of the club; it was a beautiful small club, excellent. But, to go from there to United, it took me approximately two years to figure out what made United the club they were under Sir Matt Busby, which was a group of young players.

“There was no doubt about it. He established Manchester United’s reputation as a club that provided opportunities for young people.