Asking for advice, Erik?! Phil Parkinson spotted deep in conversation with Man Utd boss Ten Hag as Wrexham boss is honoured at FWA Northern Managers’ Awards dinner

Ten Hag picked up a prize at the Football Writers Association (FWA) Northern Managers Awards for leading United to win the FA Cup over arch rivals Manchester City last season. Parkinson was also honoured at the dinner for inspiring Wrexham to League One, the Red Dragons’ second-successive promotion.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ten Hag, who enjoyed a much-needed win over Brentford the day before the awards ceremony, was seated next to Parkinson, who was also celebrating after Paul Mullin had fired his side to a 1-0 win at Rotherham. And the two managers were seen deep in conversation throughout the dinner.

  WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  “I can say as I have some experience, it’s not so easy to win titles, all the levels in English football are very competitive, to win a title demands huge sacrifice, sacrifice with your family but also sacrifice to get the team doing what you want,” Ten Hag said in his speech. “You don’t do this alone. You need good players, without good players, any manager is poor. Players can’t do it without coaching so thanks also to my coaches, we did an incredible job to win this FA Cup.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Pep Guardiola also won a prize for retaining the Premier League title with Manchester City although the Catalan was unable to attend the ceremony, as his side were in action against Wolves. Guardiola gave an acceptance speech via video. Jurgen Klopp was honoured for leading Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup in his final season, but he was also not in attendance.

  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Even after Saturday’s victory, Ten Hag remains under pressure amid United’s dismal start to the season. His side are 11th in the table and will be looking to kickstart their Europa League campaign when they visit Fenerbahce on Thursday, facing former United manager Jose Mourinho. Parkinson’s side are staking their claim for a third-successive promotion and will look to make it eight wins from 12 games when they host Huddersfield on Tuesday.