Ten Hag’s Future in Doubt Despite FA Cup Triumph Over Manchester City

Manchester United’s FA Cup victory against Manchester City has thrown the future of their manager, Erik ten Hag, into the spotlight. The Red Devils’ 2-1 triumph over their cross-city rivals has sparked a wave of speculation about whether Ten Hag truly deserves more time at the helm, amidst ongoing rumours of his potential dismissal.

Pre-Match Speculations and United’s Triumph

As Manchester City entered the FA Cup final as favourites, whispers circulated that Manchester United were planning to sack Ten Hag irrespective of the match outcome. The surprising win, however, has caused many to reconsider if such a drastic measure is warranted.

Ten Hag has openly addressed the criticism he has faced, stating it has been excessively harsh. He asserts that he has led United to a significantly better place since taking charge in the summer of 2022.

In the post-match press conference, Ten Hag’s defiance was palpable as he suggested that United would be losing a future trophy winner if they chose to part ways with him. “If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else and win trophies because that’s what I’ve done my whole career,” Ten Hag declared.

Guardiola’s Praise and the Tactical Battle

Outwitting Pep Guardiola is no small feat, and most pundits concurred that United were tactically superior to City in this encounter. Guardiola himself labelled Ten Hag “an extraordinary manager” and acknowledged the tough decision United face regarding their manager’s future.

“They have to take a decision,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know, but he is a lovely person, an extraordinary manager. Winning the FA Cup was important for them like it was for us last season.”

Despite Guardiola’s admiration, the pressure remains on Ten Hag, intensified by United’s lowest-ever Premier League finish of eighth place, a staggering 31 points behind champions City.

Ten Hag’s Record and Future Prospects

Adding to his accolades, Ten Hag has now secured two trophies for United, having won the Carabao Cup last season. However, the question of his next move looms large if he were to depart from Old Trafford. Known for his previous success with Ajax, where he won six trophies, Ten Hag’s managerial prowess is undisputed. His career includes significant stints with Go Ahead Eagles, Bayern Munich’s reserves, and Utrecht.

Former United captain Roy Keane has urged the club to savour their FA Cup victory and delay any decisions about Ten Hag’s future. Keane told ITV, “We don’t know if a decision has been made. We know the pressure the manager is under and the questions before the game. It’s always difficult when you are preparing for a cup final. In football you have to enjoy these moments – the staff, the players, the supporters – and then cross the bridge when it comes to it. The manager has done his job today. Beating Man City in a FA Cup final is an extra bonus. Fingers crossed they support the manager.”

Guardiola’s Tactical Missteps

Before lauding Ten Hag as extraordinary, Guardiola admitted to tactical errors on his part that contributed to City’s defeat. “Congratulations to Manchester United for winning the FA Cup. I think my game plan was not good,” Guardiola confessed. “The second half was much, much better. We were more intense, in part because we were 2-0 down and had nothing to lose. It was a tight game. We gave away the first goal, they made a good transition for the second so credit to United for the second goal. We tried. We had clear chances in the second half which wasn’t easy because they had man marking and defended the pockets but we had the chances and unfortunately we scored a goal a little bit late. Maybe it could have been different but the team was there like all the time when we lose. Disappointed today, it’s normal teams can lose finals but this season has been extraordinary fighting for all the trophies in a good way. We will rest and come back next season.”

As United fans revel in their FA Cup victory, the question remains whether Erik ten Hag will be given the opportunity to continue his work and bring further success to Manchester United. The board’s decision will undoubtedly shape the club’s future trajectory, making this summer a crucial period for the Red Devils.