TEN HAG: HALLER'S WINNER SO SPECIAL

Message of support from United boss after his former Ajax star - who recovered from cancer - grabbed crucial goal in AFCON final

- SIMON MULLOCK

ERIK TEN HAG has revealed he contacted Sebastien Haller to congratulate his former striker on scoring the goal that made Ivory Coast champions of Africa.

The Manchester United boss worked with Haller at the start of his career while in charge of Utrecht and later signed him for Ajax.

And the Dutchman became a big source of personal support to the player when he was fighting his battle with testicular cancer a couple of years ago.

When the former West Ham forward scored the historic winner (right) for Ivory Coast in their 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Abidjan on Sunday, the Dutchman was watching on television just hours after he had guided United to a Premier League win at Aston Villa.

Ten Hag admitted it was an emotional moment, saying: "I had direct contact with Seb on Sunday night after the final.