An upbeat Erik Ten Hag has hit back after Man Utd’s FA Cup final win over Man City. Because his future at the club continues to be fraught with uncertainty.
A lot of attention was focused on the Dutchman after his side won 2-1 at Wembley as goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo claimed his second trophy in two seasons under Ten Hag.
The victory also secured a spot in next season’s Europa League.
When asked about his future after the game, Ten Hag said: “I don’t think about this. I’m working on a project and we’re exactly where we want to be.
“We are building a team and when I came, United were in shambles. We are now in the process of building a team for the future.
“There will be ups and downs, but as you can see, the team is improving, the team is winning and in the end we are winning trophies.
“Teams play with an identity, but you need players who are available. In top-flight football you need a strong squad, especially when you play in England and Europe. The Premier League is so competitive that you need a very good squad. You need to build a squad and have players available for that squad.
“There is still a lot of work to be done but we are exactly where we are now. We have high potential players who are valuable in the squad and who are developing very well.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson have refused to comment on whether Erik ten Haag will remain as Manchester United manager next season, following speculation he will be sacked.
“The team is improving and we are winning trophies. Two trophies in two years is not bad. Three finals is not bad, but we have to keep going. I am not satisfied.
“We have to do better. If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else to win trophies, because that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
Asked if he felt intimidated by the club reportedly speaking to other managers ahead of the final, Ten Hag added: “I don’t know if they did this. I can’t answer that question. Maybe there’s a source, but I don’t have one.”
Keane: Fingers crossed Manchester United back their manager
Erik Ten Hag lifted his second trophy as Manchester United manager after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
sky sports Pundit Roy Keane hopes Manchester United will bring back Erik ten Hag, adding that the manager played his part in winning the FA Cup on Saturday.
he said ITV Sports: “We don’t know if a decision has been made, we know the pressure the manager is under and the questions he has been asked before the game.
“It’s always difficult when preparing for a cup final. In football you have to enjoy the moment with the staff, the players and the supporters and then you have to cross that bridge.
“The manager did his job today. Beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final is an added bonus. They support the manager.”
Keane added of his former team’s performance: “I’m really happy for Manchester United. I had this strange feeling this morning that they were going to turn up and win the cup. I can’t put my finger on it, but I’m happy for them.
“Our league form needs to improve but we have to enjoy the moment. This is what you want when you play for Manchester United. You want more. There are expectations.
“It was a proper Manchester United performance. They sat patiently, played good football and scored two goals. They have gained confidence from the last two games.”
“I have been critical of Bruno (Fernandez) for many years but I have been proven wrong. His leadership has been outstanding. I have always commented on how good he is as a player.”
Mainu: This was the light at the end of the tunnel.
Scorers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho celebrate after Man Utd took a 2-0 lead against Man City.
Manchester United Scorer and Most Valuable Player Kobe Mainu Praising the unity after a difficult season, he added that his goal was an “amazing moment”.
he said ITV Sports: “It’s unbelievable, the fans, the whole game. We tried to stop them from playing in the middle, they were too dangerous, they had too much quality. We let them go wide and block them there, defending for our lives. I was going to do it.
“I don’t even remember (his goal). It was an amazing moment. I just ran and put it in the corner. The quality Bruno has is to see things no one else can.
“It’s been a difficult season and the fans have been with us the whole way, but in games like this we have to stick together. This game was the light at the end of the tunnel and we have to stick together.”
Guardiola: “My game plan was not good”
man city CEO Pep Guardiola He was responsible for Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
“First of all, congratulations to Manchester United,” he said in his post-match press conference. “My game plan was not good. The second half was much better. We had more intensity.
“The players know why. Tactically it wasn’t good. We planned the game and different positions, but it didn’t work.
“Always against Manchester United we were in control but we couldn’t create like we did in the second half.
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After losing the FA Cup final to fierce rivals Manchester United, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took responsibility for the result, blaming his own tactics for the loss.
“We were disappointed today. It’s normal for a team to lose a final, but this season was special.
“We challenged for all the trophies in a good way. Now we need to rest and come back.”
There was also praise for Manchester United manager Ten Hag, with Guardiola saying: “They have to make a decision (about Ten Hag’s future).
“Well, no, but he’s a lovely guy and a special manager. Winning the FA Cup was as important to them as it was to us last season.”
