Erik ten Hag's Arne Slot comments suggest Man Utd boss made U-turn over Liverpool coach

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has lauded the "fantastic" achievements of his fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, who has recently taken over the reins at Liverpool - despite having criticised him in the past.

Slot, who was previously at Feyenoord, has been praised for his attacking style of football which led to an Eredivisie title, a Dutch Cup victory and a first European final in two decades.

Ten Hag, who has clinched both the League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure at United, has only tasted defeat once in five competitive matches against Liverpool - a record-breaking 7-0 drubbing at Anfield back in March 2023.

READ MORE: 3 lessons we learned from Liverpool's friendly loss vs Preston as Arne Slot facing issue

READ MORE: Liverpool drops kit blunder as unreleased strip worn by Under-19s for pre-season friendly

The United manager is relishing the chance to renew his rivalry with Slot, having previously faced off against him during their time at Ajax and Feyenoord respectively.

"We've played against each other before, of course, but I think that's really great (that Slot is at Liverpool)," he told Dutch news outlet AD via Sport Witness. "Also for Dutch football, for our coach training. I think the fact that there are now two Dutch managers at the helm at Liverpool and Manchester United is fantastic for our football."

"No, we haven't had contact yet, but that will happen. It is fantastic what Arne has achieved at Feyenoord, how he has helped that club get back on track. And the football that Liverpool prefers to play also suits Arne Slot completely. I think it's a very good match."

Ten Hag's comments represent a significant shift from his past view on the newly-appointed Reds boss. Previously, Ten Hag had appeared to aim a thin-veiled dig at Slot, criticising his style of play.

He said in May: "People have been going overly lyrical about Feyenoord. Feyenoord were steady this year, but not top. PSV Eindhoven were two classes better in all areas. In terms of dominating the ball, in terms of putting pressure, in terms of intensity, you name it.

“Bosz and his staff did that top notch, but the rest of the club is also well put together. PSV Eindhoven were better than the rest by such a long distance, even so much better than Feyenoord.”