Erik Ten Hag has reinstated a tradition of Sir Alex Ferguson’s by welcoming Manchester United’s directors into the dressing room after every game.

The Dutchman, 53, has been praised during his first season in charge at Old Trafford as the Red Devils close in on securing Champions League football. He also ended a six-year wait for silverware by lifting the Carabao Cup back in February.

And now he has taken a leaf out of Man Utd icon Ferguson’s book by bringing club chiefs in to meet the players after matches – irrespective of the result. According to The Mail, one or two board members visit the dressing room after each fixture. They are often David Gill and Michael Edelson.

This is an attempt to encourage unity within the club, a move that has reportedly been received positively by players and staff. Man United legend Gary Neville recently discussed the tradition during Ferguson’s time at the club.

It came after Chelsea owner Todd Boehly received criticism following reports of him addressing Blues players after a defeat.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville said: “Believe it or not at Manchester United for the 20 years I played there, the executives, the board of the club would come into the dressing room after every game when Sir Alex was there.

“He [Sir Alex] would invite them in – it was after the team talk – it was to shake Sir Alex’s hand and the players hands, say well done or commiserations on the odd time we lost a game. That happened for 20 years so it’s part of what we understood,” explained Neville.

He went to say, “They never once commented on performance. They never once addressed the players. They never once spoke about anything to do with tactics. It was just purely to keep the club together from top to bottom.”

Man United played against Wolves on Saturday and won 2-0 and moved four points clear of fifth-place Newcastle. A place in the top four could be added to with an FA Cup triumph next month when Ten Hag’s men take on Manchester City at Wembley.

• The Sun report