Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag opened up about his dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson

The pair were seen deep in conversation at an Italian restaurant in Wilmslow on Tuesday night ahead of a massive week for United.

On Thursday, the club take on Barcelona at Old Trafford in the second leg of the heavyweight Europa League play-off tie, with the scores currently locked at 2-2. Then, the Old Trafford club compete in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, hoping to secure silverware for the first time since 2017.

Of course, Ten Hag and Ferguson's meeting also took place as Liverpool's calamitous season suffered yet another low.

Jurgen Klopp's side were subjected to a 5-2 defeat by Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last-16, despite the Reds having gone two goals ahead in the first half.

It was the Merseyside club's heaviest home defeat in Champions League history, and another set-back in a season that sees them languishing in eighth in the Premier League and eliminated from both domestic cups.

Ten Hag opened up about his meeting with Ferguson in his press conference, ahead of the club's Europa League second leg against Barcelona.

The Dutchman said, via the Manchester Evening News: "It is massive (to have his support). I enjoy speaking with people with massive knowledge and experience.

"He wants to share it, he wants to help and support. Manchester United is his club and he feels so committed.

"He wants us to be doing well. It was a great night."

Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football, having won more trophies than any other coach in football history.

Indeed, the Scotsman won 13 Premier Leagues with United, while he can offer sage advice to Ten Hag ahead of the weekend, having claimed four League Cup's between 1992 and 2010.

On the crucial upcoming encounter with Barcelona, Ten Hag added: "For me, it is always about the next game. To go back, I am not the one who is looking back, I am looking forward.

"Two big teams facing eachother at Old Trafford. It will be a great atmosphere, ambience. It is the best you can get."