Charlton manager Dean Holden backs Manchester United to win EFL Cup and has “so much respect” for Erik ten Hag

Charlton Athletic manager Dean Holden was in a unique position on Tuesday evening as he led his team out against Old Trafford against Manchester United, the team he has supported for his entire life.

Holden is a lifelong Red and has been a season ticket holder in the Stretford End for 30 years.

Despite a 3-0 loss, which sees United progress to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, the Charlton manager can be proud of the effort of his team on the night.

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Speaking after the match, Holden backed United to go all of the way in the cup and win their first trophy since 2017.

He was also full of praise for Erik ten Hag, who became the quickest manager in history to win 20 games for The Reds.

“Maybe I’ll get to take my kids to another cup final,” Holden told reporters with a slight grin on his face.

“I’ve got so much respect for Erik, I’ve watched from afar, looking at the way he’s got the connection back with the fans, the way he’s focused on the culture.

“[The way he dealt with] the Ronaldo situation, the Brentford debacle earlier in the season and having met him there for 10-15 minutes, it’s an insight into what top-level management is about.

“My respect for him has gone even higher and of course, I hope they go on to win the tournament.”

United are set to find out their semi-final opponents on Wednesday evening after Southampton vs Manchester City at 20:00 GMT.

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Newcastle United are already through after victory against Leicester City and the other quarter-final tie yet to be played involves Wolves and Nottingham Forest.