Erik ten Hag built a bridge with Paul Ince on Thursday night (Picture: Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag delivered Paul Ince a bottle of wine ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Brighton, after the former Red Devils star complained of a lack of respect when he came up against the Dutchman earlier this season.
Ince was Reading manager earlier this campaign when he took the Royals to Old Trafford and lost 3-1 in the FA Cup.
After the match Ince was annoyed that he was not invited to have a post-match drink with Ten Hag or any of his staff and spoke out about a lack of respect that he felt.
‘I went straight up to see Sir Alex because I got a text from him afterwards to say “come up and see me”,’ Ince explained.
‘So myself, my wife and [son] Thomas went up there and spent an hour with him. It disappointed me because none of the United staff asked me in for a glass of wine. I didn’t like that, it’s a lack of respect.
‘Whoever it is, win, lose or draw, you say pop in for a drink. Whether it’s wine or tea it doesn’t really matter. None of their staff did that so that was disappointing.
‘I couldn’t give a monkey’s but I just pride it on myself, as a manager, whether or not you get beaten, you say come in for a glass of wine.’
Ince was on punditry duty for Sky Sports on Thursday and when Ten Hag went out to be interviewed on the pitch he handed a bottle of red over to the former midfielder.
‘I owe you one,’ said the United boss. ‘There’s not always time for a drink after the game, but you’re always welcome.’
Ince said after Ten Hag departed: ‘That is a classy touch. Normally when I manage, win lose or draw, you’re invited into the office. Obviously he was too busy after.
‘But what a lovely gesture. Obviously it was playing on his mind.’
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‘What a lovely gesture.’