If this was Erik ten Hag’s closing sport in cost of Manchester United, it was a sensational strategy to exit.
Against the backdrop of intense hypothesis that he’s about to be fired, Ten Hag and United shocked defending champion Manchester City, 2-1, to elevate the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday.
Receiving his medal from the future king of England, Prince William, the Dutchman then bought his arms on his second trophy in as many seasons to finish a troubled marketing campaign on a excessive.
Is it sufficient to save lots of his job?
“I’m not satisfied with it,” a defiant Ten Hag stated. “We have to do better, and if they don’t want me anymore, then I go somewhere else to win trophies — because that is what I did my whole career. We are constructing a team and when I took over it was a mess at Manchester United.”
First-half targets from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo arrange the win. City piled the strain on after the break and ultimately pulled a late purpose again by substitute Jeremy Doku.
United’s house owners have been watching on from the manager seats at Wembley and have a choice to make.
“We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them,” new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe stated.
The British billionaire purchased a 27.7% stake in United in February and is overhauling the membership. There’s widespread anticipation that Ten Hag will change into the most recent casualty of his revamp, whatever the cup closing triumph.
That idea might be put to the take a look at after this win, which disadvantaged crosstown rival City of the primary back-to-back English league and cup doubles and likewise noticed United qualify for the Europa League subsequent season.
“My game plan was not good,” City supervisor Pep Guardiola stated.
Ten Hag bought his techniques spot on as United soaked up strain and pounced to take management by the break.
Garnacho opened the scoring in the thirtieth minute, sparking panic in City’s protection when chasing onto a hopeful punt from Diogo Dalot deep in his half. Josko Gvardiol was faster to the ball, however his headed again go went over the onrushing City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to go away Garnacho with an open internet to faucet house.
If that purpose benefited from luck, United’s second 9 minutes later got here from a slick assault, with Garnacho on the coronary heart of it once more when reducing in from the proper wing and enjoying in Bruno Fernandes.
The United captain hit a first-time no-look go to Mainoo, who coolly slotted previous Ortega.
The closing was a repeat of final yr’s, which City received 2-1, and Pep Guardiola’s workforce didn’t quit its trophy with no battle. Doku’s lengthy vary shot in the 87th arrange a nervy end.
By that time, Erling Haaland had hit the bar, Kyle Walker had pressured goalkeeper Andre Onana into two outstretched saves, and substitute Julian Alvarez missed the goal from shut vary with solely the keeper to beat.
It is United’s thirteenth FA Cup, one behind Arsenal’s document of 14. And it’s Ten Hag’s second trophy after successful the League Cup final yr.
Players and employees embraced him on the sector after the ultimate whistle and followers cheered rapturously as he went to gather the trophy in entrance of the co-owners, Americans Joel and Avram Glazer and Ratcliffe.
Victory, nevertheless, got here after United’s worst league season in 34 years.
“It’s been a tough season with ups and downs,” Mainoo stated. “This is the only thing we’ve had to look forward to. We knew we had to come together. The preparation for this game has been amazing.
“We’ve proven we are able to compete and win video games.”
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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