Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admits he's spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson about being in charge at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag became the fifth permanent manager at Old Trafford since Ferguson retired in 2013 when he joined United from Ajax this summer.

He said, "I had contact with him but what we spoke is private. It is always fantastic to talk with Sir Alex about life, but especially about football.

"I must say I have a strong belief," he said. "This is a big challenge but, until now, everywhere I've been I've got the maximum out of my teams. This project is the most difficult, I realise that. I know it's not an easy job. But I am here, so I am convinced I can do it."

Meanwhile, despite Cristiano Ronaldo's preseason absence, Ten Hag suggested building a team around the five time Ballon d'Or winner and backed him to cope with United's high-pressing approach next season.

"I think Cristiano is capable of doing that. In his career he has shown everything," said Ten Hag.

"I have set my demand. We want to play in a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is an absolute top player in our squad.

"The players dictate the way you play. Especially players who score goals because they are extremely important for a team. You construct your team around them."

Ten Hag even claimed that an option to extend Ronaldo's £500,000-a-week contract at United could be triggered to keep him at the club until 2024.

"I am well informed, he also has an option, no? So, yes (Ronaldo could extend his stay)," added the Dutchman.

Ten Hag also explained Harry Maguire keeping the club captaincy.

"Harry is really impressive and I expect a lot from him," said Ten Hag. "I always see the captaincy as an issue that I dictate.

"The team building for me is an important point and I always talk about a group of leaders. The captain is a really important one and I'm happy with him.

"But there is also internal competition and that is what a club like Man United needs. You cannot win with 11 players. We need a squad, especially this season with so many games.

"I think he is (a first-choice player). He's proved it in the past but he has also to prove it in the present and in the future. I will support him everywhere I can. In the end, he has to do it by himself, and he has the qualities to do it."