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
?️ “We have a strong belief we can win this game.”
A pre-match word from the boss at Wembley ?#MUFC || #FACupFinal
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 25, 2024
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
Tactics and decisions
Touchline presence
Overall impression
