'Not up to me': Erik ten Hag responds to Man United exit rumours after FA Cup triumph
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is unaware of his future at the club after the FA Cup triumph against Manchester City on Saturday.
The Red Devils’ FA Cup win means they will play in the Europa League next season. Ten Hag was quizzed over his future after guiding United to the victory.
He said (via ITV Football): “I don’t have any doubts but it’s of course not up to me, but I am on a project.
“How we performed, how we improved the squad last season. We were in the two finals. We won the Carabao Cup – we were third in the league.
“This season is a mess, but the reasons are there. In the end, we won another trophy.
“Underneath you see the team is developing, you see the players developing. Bruno Fernandes performed brilliantly, Diogo Dalot for instance, and Scott McTominay scored ten goals.
“There is high potential, but it needs time.”
Erik ten Hag outwitted Pep Guardiola for FA Cup victory
The United manager set up his team in a 4-2-2-2 formation to block Man City’s movement through the central areas.
The Cityzens were forced to play out wide without breaking United’s defensive structure.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were positioned on the flanks to provide width and attack with pace during transitions.
Kyle Walker neutralised Rashford’s threat, courtesy of his outrageous pace. However, Garnacho tormented Josko Gvardiol on the right flank.
Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Kobbie Mainoo flooded City’s box whenever they had an opportunity to attack.
Guardiola reacted to Ten Hag’s masterclass by introducing Jeremy Doku after the break.
Doku provided the attacking threat City lacked in the first half. The winger halved his side’s deficit but could not stop United from lifting the coveted trophy.
Ten Hag’s future at United hangs by a thread after a poor 2023/24 campaign.
He showed great tactical intelligence to outsmart Guardiola in the final. Some United fans want the Dutchman to get one more season.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will decide whether to continue with Ten Hag or hire a new manager.