Erik ten Hag has taken, what is most probably his last and final chance to save his job at Manchester United. As far as FA Cup finals go, the result of yesterday’s final was certainly one of the most unexpected in recent times. After getting the better of Premier League champions Manchester City in the final, the United boss sent out a strong message in response to rumors of the club sacking him.
It had been reported that INEOS and the club management have decided to sack Ten Hag irrespective of the result in the final. As if directly responding to the club’s decision, the Dutchman assured that being sacked is the least of his concerns.
Two trophies in two seasons and three finals is not bad. If they don't want me anymore, I'll go somewhere else and win trophies. That's what I do. Erik ten Hag said in a press conference
Ten Hag: “Two trophies in two seasons and three finals… not bad”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2024
“If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else and win trophies. That’s what I do”. pic.twitter.com/f1aK2IW6Hg
Adding fuel to the rumors is the fact that club representatives met with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. Mauricio Pochettino , Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter have all been linked with the United job.
Manchester United were one bad result away from ending their disastrous season trophyless. However, a 2-1 triumph against daunting opposition gave the Red Devils something to smile about after finishing 8th in the Premier League.
After finishing at an all-time low in the League and getting knocked out in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, United waited till the final game of their season to celebrate.
Despite all the big names in the squad, it was two youngsters that grabbed the all-important goals against City. 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo stepped up for the Red Devils when it mattered the most. Garnacho scored the first while Mainoo finished off the second in style from a well-worked team goal.
Just a gaffer and his starboys
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 25, 2024
Erik ten Hag had words for Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho at full-time #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/L3imdyQncP
Following the game, cameras spotted Ten Hag embracing the two goal scorers, almost like a proud father with his children. Fans have labeled it as one of the most happy moments for United as a club this season.
Both Garnacho and Mainoo have assumed bigger roles in Ten Hag’s squad this season, with the Englishman also receiving his first international call-up in the process.
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