ERIK TEN HAG has received a further boost ahead of this week's crunch clash with Copenhagen – the "unwavering support of Sir Alex Ferguson".
SunSport has learned the retired Manchester United boss – a key figure at Old Trafford – is 100 per cent behind the under-pressure Dutchman.
And the legendary Scot is believed to be ready to urge any new investors in the club to stick with the current manager.
Our story comes in the wake of United's crucial weekend win at Fulham – which many said could have been Ten Hag's last had the side lost.
A source said: "Erik has Sir Alex's unwavering support. He's been hugely supportive of Erik since he arrived at the club.
"He's impressed at the job he is doing and, in particular, the way he has taken on big decisions.
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"Sir Alex, like everyone else, wishes results were better this season.
"But he thinks those pointing at the manager and calling for a change are wrong.
“[Ferguson] thinks he’s shown the kind of character and mentality required to turn the club around – and he firmly believes Erik deserves time, like he got, to make a success of things at the club.
"If consulted, that's a position he would be prepared to make clear to any new investors who come into the football club."
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to take over the football operations at United once his 25 per cent stake is confirmed.
And recruiting a new manager is not a priority for Ratcliffe as the British billionaire is more concerned with improving the club's transfer recruitment.
Ratcliffe is believed to be confident Ten Hag can change United's fortunes if he is given time and the support of an effective recruitment strategy.
Meanwhile, the Dutchman – who has been compared to Fergie in the past – has been likened to Scotsman once again.
The source added: "Sir Alex had to make decisions all the time during his years as manager which were difficult and risked putting him on a collision course with his players.
"But he never shied away from doing what he felt was right for the club.
"This is a trait Erik is showing too, especially with the way he handled the recent Marcus Rashford situation."
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