Across his eight-year career with the Red Devils, Sharpe became well accustomed to ding-dong battles against familiar foes Arsenal, but in recent years, the two club’s trajectories have gone in opposite directions.
While United have been scrambling around lower down the table, Arteta has transformed Arsenal into title challengers again, with the Gunners finishing second behind Manchester City in each of the last two seasons.
However, despite United’s Premier League troubles, Sharpe’s former club have bagged two trophies under Ten Hag, lifting the 2023 League Cup against Newcastle, before toppling City in the 2024 FA Cup final - something Arsenal have failed to do in the league.
Lee Sharpe spent eight years at Old Trafford with Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
As such, the one-time left-winger has claimed he’d have rather played for Ten Hag’s trophy-winning side, as opposed to finishing second in the table with Arteta.
Speaking to Express Sport in association with NewBettingSites.uk, Sharpe explained: “I know how exciting and nerve-wracking it is to be in a title race, it really gets your adrenaline going. On the other hand, I also know the value of winning trophies and building a winning mentality.
“I would probably go with Erik ten Hag’s first two seasons at Manchester United. It’s a bit scrappy but at least they’re picking up silverware at the end of the season and having a celebration to build that camaraderie between the lads.
Erik ten Hag has won two trophies during his time as Man Utd boss. (Image: Getty)
Mikel Arteta has had to settle for second in each of the last two Premier League seasons. (Image: Getty)
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“Everyone wants to play in the Champions League and it is incredible, but I’d still take the silverware and the feeling of winning over that.”
Despite the claim, Sharpe did admit United’s performances will have to improve, should Ten Hag wish to avoid the sack.
And when asked how long INEOS will give Ten Hag before pulling the plug, the 53-year-old replied: “I think he’ll at least be given until Christmas, then they’ll see where they stand. The performance against Southampton was better and there were positive signs.
