Rumors that Erik ten Hag would be leaving Manchester United were met with brutality after the Dutchman won the team’s second major trophy in two seasons.
Manchester United may have had their worst league season in more than 30 years, but they concluded the season on a high note on Saturday when they won the FA Cup at Wembley.
In a convincing 2-1 victory over the defending champions Manchester City, teenagers Alejandro Garnarcho and Koibbe Mainoo scored the goals, and Erik ten Hag won his second trophy in two years as a member of the team.
Although United came into London as overwhelming underdogs, Ten Hag’s masterclass stunned the defending Premier League champions. Nevertheless, the Dutchman’s win has only increased the buzz around him, as there have been rumors that the FA Cup final would be his final game in charge.
Ten Hag intimidates Man Utd’s leaders
Ten Hag told United’s management that he will “go and win trophies somewhere else” if he isn’t wanted, rejecting rumors that he might be fired following Saturday’s victory.
Given that Chelsea and other teams are looking for new managers this summer, it has been reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of United’s management have been exploring prospects for Ten Hag’s replacement. The club also made an approach to Kieran McKenna, the highly sought-after manager of Ipswich Town.
In the wake of his team’s 2-1 victory, Ten Hag also struck a defiant pose, saying, in response to reports that he was fired, “If they don’t want me any more, I go somewhere else and win trophies, that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
Erik ten Hag won Man United the FA Cup ( Image: BBC Sport)
Ratcliffe dismisses Ten Hag’s query
After United won the FA Cup, a reporter asked whether Ten Hag would stay at the team, and Ineos owner Ratcliffe seemed to duck the question.
Prior to the match, rumors circulated that Ratcliffe and United’s senior management had decided to let go of Ten Hag, no matter how the team performed against City on Saturday.
In a video posted to social media, Ratcliffe was asked about the Dutchman’s future following the club’s significant victory. He did not respond, but he did later express his admiration for the team’s accomplishment.
“Winning the FA Cup final at Wembley is a glorious feeling,” the 71-year-old remarked. Even though Manchester United was obviously not the favorite to win today, they defeated one of the greatest football teams ever by playing with complete dedication and skill. The players and the staff, who put in a lot of effort to support them, have our utmost pride.
Rashford sobs amid reports of his departure
After the FA Cup victory, Marcus Rashford posted a tearful picture of himself to Instagram, telling followers, “That’s what the club means to me.”
Rashford’s dedication to the team has come under intense scrutiny amid a difficult season for the 26-year-old on an individual basis. Due to his dismal performance, Gareth Southgate rejected him from the Euros, and he was the subject of exit rumors. Rashford and Paris Saint-Germain have been connected to one another.
The forward’s performance in the Premier League has drastically decreased from 17 goals and five assists the previous season to just seven goals and two assists. Even though Rashford did not score against City, he played a significant role in the triumph on Saturday.
