Fans baffled as Ten Hag hands Sky Sports pundit Ince wine before Man Utd game but there’s a simple explanation

ERIK TEN HAG stunned Paul Ince and baffled many viewers by handing the pundit a bottle of wine live on Sky Sports.

The Manchester United chief acted after Ince claimed the Red Devils showed him a "lack of respect" by not inviting him for a drink when he bossed Reading at Old Trafford in the FA Cup three months ago.

The former United and Liverpool midfielder looked "embarrassed" as a smiling Ten Hag made the gesture in a pre-match interview for Thursday night's Premier League clash at Brighton.

"I owe him one," said a beaming Ten Hag as Ince put his arm round the Dutchman and replied: "That's so kind."

The ex-England star suggested the pair should share it after United win the FA Cup - with only the final to come against neighbours City on June 3.

Some curious fans were keen to know why Ten Hag had made the gift to Ince.

"Any context?" was a popular response.

But all observers seemed to agree that Ten Hag was a "class act".

One said: "Literally have no choice but to Love ETH."

And another, noticing the former Blackburn chief's bashful reactions, posted: "Ahhh, Ince is so embarrassed, he doesn’t know where to look does he."

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Ince had hit out following Reading's 3-1 third-round loss on January 28.

He claimed he was "disappointed" he and his family were not asked in for a glass of wine or even a cuppa, whereas legendary ex-manager Alex Ferguson invited him to meet  

He said: "Whoever it is, win, lose or draw, you say pop in for a drink.

"Whether it's wine or tea it doesn't really matter.

"None of their staff did that so that was disappointing.

“I couldn't give a monkey’s but I just pride it on myself, as a manager, whether or not you get beaten, you say come in for a glass of wine."

At the time Ten Hag was furious with Reading's physical approach - especially a challenge from Andy Carroll that sidelined Christian Eriksen for three months.

He said:  “This is a tackle - and the two tackles after it – that don’t belong on a pitch. Because there is a high risk of injuring your colleague.

"So, it's worse and I'm left wondering about that."