‘Pick his brains’ – Addicks boss hoping for chat with Ten Hag after Man United EFL Cup clash

Charlton Athletic boss Dean Holden is hoping there is the possibility to have a chat with Erik ten Hag or Sir Alex Ferguson after tomorrow night’s EFL Cup quarter-final clash at Old Trafford.

Holden, a boyhood United supporter, will lead his League One Charlton side out at the home of the Red Devils after knocking out Brighton in the previous round of the competition.

Ten Hag arrived from Ajax in the summer and currently has the two-time Champions League winners back in the top four of the Premier League.

When asked if the United boss had been in touch ahead of the tie, Holden says: “No, I’m sure he has too much on his plate to worry about me.

“He’s probably never heard of me until he gets asked a question this morning,” said Holden of Ten Hag.

“I haven’t been sat by the phone waiting for a message from Erik.

“Hopefully, I get the chance for five minutes after the game tomorrow [to have a chat] – it would be great to pick his brains.

“From the outside looking in, it looks like he has changed the whole culture of the club. There is no doubt about that. He is somebody I have so much respect for.”

Ferguson spent 26 years as boss of United, winning 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues. The Scottish manager stepped down at Old Trafford in 2013.

“Maybe if Sir Alex is dotting around the lounges somewhere, it would be great to have a chat with him.

“We have got to embrace these situations and try to learn as much as we possibly can.”

PICTURE: Paul Edwards