Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag makes it up to Paul Ince with touching gift

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made a classy gesture towards ex-Reading boss Paul Ince on Thursday night, handing the former Red Devils star a bottle of wine live on Sky Sports after failing to invite him for a post-match drink when his team visited Old Trafford earlier this season.

United hosted the Royals in the FA Cup fourth round, beating Ince’s side 3-1 thanks to a brace from Casemiro and a second-half strike from Fred. Ten Hag and co have since marched all the way to the final, where they will meet Manchester City at Wembley in June.

Ince pulled no punches in the aftermath of his return to Old Trafford, claiming to be ‘disappointed‘ that none of United’s coaching staff invited him for a drink. “Whoever it is, win, lose or draw, you say pop in for a drink,” he explained. “Whether it’s wine or tea it doesn’t really matter.”

The 55-year-old also added that former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson invited him and his family for an hour-long catch-up after the match.

Upon learning that the Reading boss was on Sky Sports duty for United’s trip to Brighton on Thursday, Ten Hag evidently sought to make amends, and he did so live on TV.

Walking up to the former England international with a bottle of wine in-hand, Ten Hag said: “I owe him one. There is not always time for a drink after the game but you’re always welcome.” A chuffed Ince responded: “That’s very kind of you. We will share it after you win the cup final.”

“I think [Villa] went 10 games undefeated, so we did it and we played a good game, especially first-half on the ball. But today, it’s all gone. We have to prove ourselves again because you’re only as good as your last game.”

The Dutchman will have amped his players up for a tough test on Thursday, with Brighton coming on leaps and bounds under manager Roberto De Zerbi, who oversaw a thumping 6-0 win over Wolves at the weekend.