Guernsey Press

Erik ten Hag defies odds and intense speculation to lead Man Utd to FA Cup glory

Whatever his future, the Dutchman’s reign at United certainly did not end in failure.

Published

Erik ten Hag defied the odds and intense speculation over his future as Manchester United manager to mastermind a shock FA Cup final victory over arch-rivals and Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday.

Here, the PA news agency analyses the Dutchman’s performance.

Pre-match comments

If the reports suggesting he was about to be sacked had affected him, Ten Hag was determined not to let it show before the game. In a pre-match interview he insisted his focus was “on the game” and that was “all that matters”. He refused to discuss the issue, saying the day was “all about my team and winning the cup”. He was then all smiles as the teams were led out, but with Joel and Avram Glazer and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in attendance, he must have known the pressure was on him.

Selection

Manchester City v Manchester United – Emirates FA Cup – Final – Wembley Stadium
Raphael Varane was back in the Manchester United defence (John Walton/PA)

Tactics and decisions

Manchester City v Manchester United – Emirates FA Cup – Final – Wembley Stadium
Scott McTominay played as a false nine at times (John Walton/PA)

Touchline presence

Manchester City v Manchester United – Emirates FA Cup – Final – Wembley Stadium
Erik ten Hag (right) was under intense pressure (John Walton/PA)

Overall impression

Manchester City v Manchester United – Emirates FA Cup – Final – Wembley Stadium
Erik ten Hag (left) celebrates with Lisandro Martinez at the final whistle (John Walton/PA)
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