Manchester United marched home to Emirates FA Cup victory under the arches of Wembley Stadium, as Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils triumphed over their City rivals in a 2-1 win.
First reflecting on the FA Cup victory, ten Hag spoke empathically in regards to his side’s performance on England’s biggest stage.
‘I really enjoyed this final, especially the way we played. When you see all the work that we put in together; the staff, the players. If you play at this level against the best team in the world, then I am very pleased and I am very happy.’
Embed from Getty ImagesRumours flew yesterday afternoon, as whispers began to spark regarding the future of Erik ten Hag at the club. As per reports from Jacob Steinberg at The Guardian, Manchester United planned to sack ten Hag regardless of the Cup Final result.
Addressing the rumours, ten Hag claimed that ‘I don’t think about this. I am in a project, and we are exactly where we want to be.’
Continuing, ‘We constructed the team. When I took over, it was a mess at United. We are on our way to construct a team for the future. It will go with ups and downs, but what you see is the team is developing, the team is winning.’
When asked in regards to what his stance will be should Manchester United arrive at a decision regarding his dismissal, ten Hag was firm in his statement.
‘If they don’t want me anymore, then I will go anywhere to win trophies. Because that is what I did my whole career.’
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite today’s FA Cup victory, Manchester United recently recorded their worst ever finish in a Premier League season as they capped off their league campaign in eighth place with a minus goal difference. Speaking in regards to the doubts swimming around ten Hag’s constant use of injury as an excuse, the Dutch manager spoke firmly:
‘If you say this, then I am sorry to say this, but you don’t have any knowledge about football or managing a football team. When you don’t have the players available, then you can’t perform. It’s as simple of that.’
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Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were the difference on the occasion, as the two young stars showcased their talent to find the winning scores. Speaking in regards to the two young stars, ten Hag expressed their development ‘was the plan’.
‘I am so happy. Sometimes it is by luck that you develop a young player, but it was the plan. It was the plan last summer that we bring in Garnacho. In the end we are so happy that we have seen this. Me as a manager, and my coaching staff, we are very happy. They have the potential to demand and to meet the standards you need for top football.’