Erik has to put boot in
A FORMER Manchester United star, who saw Sir Alex Ferguson injure David Beckham with a football boot, says Erik ten Hag has to show “no mercy” to his players if he is to survive as manager at the club.
Mikael Silvestre sat stunned when Ferguson angrily kicked a spare boot at the England captain in 2003, hitting him just above the eye.
While stopping short of recommending the new United boss repeat the act, Silvestre feels he needs to rule the dressing room with the same rod of iron Ferguson used.
“When I was there you knew your standing,” said the four-time title winner. “And the boss would be the boss. You have to show your authority.
“There has been too much liberty taken in recent years.”
There are question marks over whether Ten Hag – who built his reputation by nurturing young Dutch players in Amsterdam – is ready to lock horns with established stars.
“It is less of a professor/ student sort of relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and David de Gea than he has been used to,” said Silvestre. “But the principles remain the same.”
And he is a clearly a big believer in those older talents.
Manchester City fans are excited about the prospect of Erling Haaland becoming the Premier League’s top scorer.
But Silvestre said: “Haaland to win the Golden Boot? I would rather see Ronaldo win. He was not far off last season with a dysfunctional team so if United works this season, why not?”
■ Mikael Silvestre was speaking at the launch of SPITCH fantasy football’s all new Season Mode. Sign up and earn £5 in credit here: spitch.live/uk 18+ only.