Manchester United stunned the English champions Manchester City to lift the FA Cup 2024 trophy on Saturday. Head coach Erik ten Hag led the struggling Red Devils to a 2-1 win over their city rivals at London's Wembley Stadium to significantly boost his chances of staying at Old Trafford beyond this summer.
Youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored first-half goals to give United a strong start and then a brilliant defensive work denied the Citizens a domestic double. Manager Erik ten Hag has been under tremendous pressure to save his job after finishing eighth in the English Premier League 2023-24 points table.
Manchester United, under the new co-ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are reportedly considering ten Hag's replacements prior to the next season. The Dutch manager led the team to two consecutive FA Cup finals but failed to improve the team's run in the league and European competitions.
After helping the United clinch their 13th FA Cup title, ten Hag was asked about his future at Old Trafford. He defended his record with the club and stated that he is part of the project that is developing a team for the future.
"Two trophies in two years is not bad, three finals in two years is not bad," Ten Hag said in the post-match press conference. "If they don't want me, then I go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do. I am in a project and we are exactly where we want to be, we are constructing a team for the future. When I took over we were in a mess. The team is developing, the team is winning and the team plays to an identity, but you need the players to be available and a strong squad, especially when you play in England and Europe.
Apart from their FA Cup success, Manchester United finished at the bottom in the Champions League group stages and registered only 18 wins in 38 EPL matches this season.
