Phillip Cocu backed Erik ten Hag to become a great manager for Manchester United due to his constant drive in seeking improvements.
Since losing to Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season, the Red Devils turned their fortunes around by winning four straight games including a 3-1 win against league leaders Arsenal.
The positive results were in part thanks to the former Ajax boss making changes when necessary, including dropping captain Harry Maguire, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and left-back Luke Shaw from the starting line-up.
Cocu said it was a trait that the 52-year-old exhibited right from the start of his coaching career.
"We both worked as assistant coaches at PSV and it was great working with him especially for young players," the former Dutch international told Astro Supersport host Adam Carruthers after United defeated Arsenal 3-1.
"He gradually developed himself as a manager, step by step, and the performances he had at Ajax and the way they played football made it possible for him to become the manager of Manchester United."
Cocu recalled how ten Hag managed to adapt himself when he was coaching Utrecht, whom he led to two top-five finishes in the Eredivisie.
"At Utrecht, he played a different system with five at the back. Then he went to Ajax and played like how Ajax always played their football [combined] with his own playing style.
"He has a clear vision but is able to adapt, which is something necessary because he cannot copy what worked for him in the Netherlands and do the same in the Premier League. Both are different leagues and cultures.
"He has shown his ability to adapt and work with a group of top players and set goals. He has shown at least in the Netherlands he could do it.
"There is more pressure in the Premier League and at Manchester United, but if he can pull it off, he will be known as a great manager," he added.
