Erik ten Hag brushed aside rumors about his job security to guide Man Utd to a 2-1 victory over Man City in the FA Cup final at Wembley; the previously embattled manager has now left part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe with a tough decision.
Erik ten Hag remained confident about his future, despite intensifying rumors of his imminent sacking this week. Perhaps he had insight others lacked. Manchester United delivered their best performance of the season when it mattered most.
Soccer into goal success concept
Whether this spectacular, trophy-winning conclusion to an otherwise challenging campaign will be sufficient to save his job remains uncertain. It wasn’t enough for Louis van Gaal in 2016, even though his team finished fifth, three places higher than Ten Hag’s, in the Premier League table.
Not that all that came before this should be forgotten.
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Amrabat was crucial in this performance, leaving behind a challenging season to deliver his best display for United. The Moroccan anticipated danger, effectively shut down passing lanes, and used the ball intelligently, misplacing only two out of 27 passes.
Football scene with a player who kicks the ball on the fly at the stadium
“I don’t think about this,” Ten Hag said when asked whether he expects to stay on afterwards. “We are exactly where we want to be. We are constructing a team. When I took over, it was a mess at United. The team is developing and winning trophies.”
Ten Hag has faced ample criticism throughout the season, but he deserves credit for Mainoo’s impressive breakthrough. He has shown similar trust in Garnacho, who scored the opener and contributed to the second goal by assisting Fernandes, who then set up Mainoo.
The pair are the first teenagers to score in an FA Cup final since Cristiano Ronaldo did in United’s win over Millwall in 2004. This achievement further strengthens Ten Hag’s case to remain as they look toward the future under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
