Erik ten Hag made a compelling case to avoid the sack as Manchester United upset Manchester City with a shocking 2-1 victory in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Despite reports that Ten Hag was set to be dismissed regardless of the Wembley outcome after a turbulent season he himself described as “terrible,” United’s hierarchy may be reconsidering. Ten Hag’s tactical brilliance thwarted City’s quest for history.
City, favorites to clinch a second consecutive Premier League and FA Cup double, were stymied by Ten Hag’s strategy. First-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo put United on track to claim their first FA Cup in eight years.
Jeremy Doku’s 87th-minute goal squeezed past Andre Onana’s weak attempt at a save, but it was too late to save City.
If Ten Hag’s two-year tenure ends now, he will exit on a high note, reminiscent of Louis van Gaal’s departure after winning the FA Cup in 2016. Ten Hag might hope for a scenario similar to Alex Ferguson’s 1990 FA Cup win, which initiated his remarkable run after calls for his sacking earlier that season.
Ferguson was present as what was billed as Ten Hag’s last stand turned into a triumph for the beleaguered Dutchman.
United shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, in charge of football operations, watched from the stands alongside co-owners Joel and Avie Glazer. With names like Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, and Gareth Southgate linked to the club, Ratcliffe has much to consider after United’s eighth-place Premier League finish, their lowest since 1990, and an early Champions League exit.
Ten Hag attributes the season’s woes to a lengthy injury list and points to his two trophies from three cup final appearances with a full-strength squad as proof of his capabilities.
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Ten Hag ended United’s six-year trophy drought with last year’s League Cup win and has now avenged their FA Cup final loss to City a year ago, despite finishing 31 points behind the champions this season. United also qualified for the Europa League, avoiding their first season without European action since 2014-15.
Benefiting from an uncharacteristically lackluster City performance, United thwarted City’s double bid, handing them their first domestic defeat since losing to Aston Villa 171 days ago.
City, the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles, appeared fatigued from their celebrations. They were outraged when a strong penalty appeal was denied in the first minute after Lisandro Martinez shoved Erling Haaland.
United stifled City by sitting deep with all 11 men behind the ball, and capitalized on City’s mistakes. In the 30th minute, Diogo Dalot’s long ball should have been handled by Josko Gvardiol, but his hesitation allowed Garnacho to score into an empty net after Stefan Ortega’s rash advance.
Garnacho became the first teenager to score in the FA Cup final since Cristiano Ronaldo did so for United 20 years ago. Nine minutes later, Mainoo capitalized on more sloppy City defending, finishing a superb pass from Fernandes.
City pushed harder in the second half, and while Doku’s late goal set up a tense finish, it wasn’t enough to deny United.
As the final seconds ticked away, Ten Hag nervously awaited the whistle in the sunshine, celebrating a dramatic win that might grant him an unexpected reprieve or serve as his grand finale.
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