Erik ten Hag made a compelling case for his retention as Manchester United manager by leading his team to a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Despite facing widespread speculation about his potential dismissal regardless of the Wembley result, Ten Hag’s tactical acumen shone through, potentially altering the club hierarchy’s plans.
Throughout a season marred by challenges, Ten Hag himself recently described the campaign as “terrible.” However, his ability to engineer a win against the odds might prompt United’s decision-makers to reconsider. Manchester City, coming off a dominant season where they were hot favourites to complete a second successive Premier League and FA Cup double, found themselves outmaneuvered by Ten Hag’s strategic brilliance.
In the first half, goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo gave United a crucial lead, setting the stage for what would be their first FA Cup triumph in eight years. Despite a late surge from City, with Jeremy Doku finding the net in the 87th minute past Andre Onana’s shaky save, it was too little too late for Pep Guardiola’s side.
This unexpected victory not only capped a turbulent season on a high note for United but also cast Ten Hag’s future in a new light. Should his tenure come to an end, it would evoke memories of Louis van Gaal’s abrupt departure following an FA Cup win against Crystal Palace in 2016.
However, Ten Hag hopes his situation mirrors that of Sir Alex Ferguson, whose 1990 FA Cup win against Palace marked the beginning of an extraordinary era after calls for his sacking earlier that season. Notably, Ferguson himself was present at Wembley, witnessing a match many had prematurely labelled Ten Hag’s “funeral” turn into a remarkable triumph for the beleaguered Dutchman.
In attendance were influential figures such as United shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, who oversees football operations at Old Trafford, and co-owners Joel and Avie Glazer. As United’s leadership contemplates the future, linked with names like Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, and Gareth Southgate, there is much to consider.
United’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League, their lowest since 1990, and a disappointing group-stage exit from the Champions League underscore the challenges faced this season.
Ten Hag attributes many of these issues to an extensive injury list, arguing that a fully fit squad could have significantly altered the season’s trajectory.
He can point to tangible successes: ending United’s six-year trophy drought with a League Cup win last year and now avenging their FA Cup final loss to City from the previous season. Despite finishing 31 points behind the champions in the league, Ten Hag’s ability to deliver in crucial moments underscores his potential value to the club.
As the dust settles on this season, the decision regarding Ten Hag’s future will be a defining one for United. His tactical prowess and resilience in adversity have provided a glimpse of what he can achieve with a fully operational squad.
Whether this victory at Wembley will be enough to secure his position remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds a significant chapter to his tenure at Old Trafford.
