After Manchester United won the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday, Bruno Fernandes praised Erik ten Hag, the manager of the team.
Bruno Fernandes lauded Erik ten Hag’s approach. (Image: ITV Sport.)
After Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, captain Bruno Fernandes said manager Erik ten Hag had “everything” tactically right.
Due to goals in the first half from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, United won their first FA Cup since 2016. Garnacho took advantage of a defensive error by City, and Mainoo executed a brilliant finish to complete a wide-ranging United move.
A tense finish was created by Jeremy Doku, the substitute, pulling back a late consolation goal for City, but United held on to win a second trophy in as many seasons under Ten Hag. United deserved the win because they barely let City get a good look at Andre Onana’s goal.
As they did against Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United, United set up with Fernandes acting as a “false nine,” which meant they packed central areas. The Portuguese thought that strategy was what made it so effective.
When asked what tactically Ten Hag did well, Fernandes responded to ITV Sport, “Everything.” He gets every game ready. It works and doesn’t work at different times. It was evident, I believe, that the key was to remain compact and exert pressure between the lines.”
Just over a week ago, following United’s victory over Newcastle in the league final, Ten Hag made his annual speech on the Old Trafford playing field, promising that his team would “give everything” to win the championship. Fernandes believed that United’s spirit and tenacity were essential to finishing the task.
Fernandes continued, “We knew what we needed to win today.” “They are a brilliant team, they play good football and have amazing players, but we knew if we had the right spirit we could win today.”
