ERIK TEN HAG lifted a second trophy in two years as Manchester United beat Man City in the FA Cup final – but his future remains unclear.
According to The Athletic, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford intend to “objectively assess all aspects” of the campaign in the next week or so, as Ten Hag leaves for holiday.
Winning the FA Cup may mean Ratcliffe performs a U-turn after previous reports claimed the Red Devils were lining up Mauricio Pochettino to potentially replace him.
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Pep lauds Martinez
Pep Guardiola praised Lisandro Martinez for his performance in the FA Cup final.
The Argentine returned from injury to play a starring role in the Wembley showpiece.
“Lisandro Martinez is top five centre-backs in the world,” Pep said after the game.
“He made the difference on this game by playing passes through our defence.”
‘Next Mainoo’
MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced Erik ten Hag has found the next Kobbie Mainoo after their FA Cup win.
Mainoo has been a breakout star this season after watching United’s last cup win – the 2023 Carabao Cup – from the Wembley stands.
After that final Ten Hag spoke to him on the pitch with his arm around his shoulder, and appeared to be sharing some tactical insight with the youngster.
Fast forward 15 months and the United boss did the same with another young Red Devils midfielder – Toby Collyer.
Ten Hag was seen pointing towards the pitch directing Collyer before shaking hands with the 20-year-old and embracing him.
Collyer is yet to make his first-team debut for United but did feature for the Under-21s this season.
He joined from Brighton in 2021 and fans think he is ready to follow in Mainoo’s footsteps.
Eriksen lined up by Ajax
Christian Eriksen will be handed the chance to rejoin first club Ajax this summer — if Manchester United agree to a pay-off.
But the Danish midfielder, 32, is set to sit tight until Erik ten Hag’s future is sorted, in case his old Spurs gaffer Mauricio Pochettino comes in.
Eriksen has 12 months left on his £150,000-a-week contract but United are keen to get some of the higher earners off the books to help fund Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s planned rebuild.
United would not ask for a fee for Eriksen as long as that is factored into any agreement over the remainder of his contract.
Erik bites back at rumours
Erik ten Hag issued a defiant response after being questioned over his future in the wake of Man Utd’s FA Cup triumph.
He said: “Two trophies in two seasons and three finals. That’s not bad.
“If they don’t want me any more I go somewhere else to win trophies. That is what I do.
“I am here to win and I want to build a team. My whole managerial career I have won games and trophies.”
Dan can be the man
Ex-United winger Dan James wants to be the main man to fire Leeds back into the Premier League – despite his penalty heartache for Wales.
The speedster missed the crucial kick against Poland as Wales missed out on qualification for Euro 2024.
But James is ready to step up from 12 yards at Wembley this afternoon.
He told SunSport: “When taking a penalty, you make up your mind where to shoot and stick with it.
“You’ve got to be confident and trust all the tips and tricks you’ve learned down the years.
“But we’ve all also got to be mentally and physically ready after 120 minutes.
“You’re going to be tired mentally so it’s important to relax.
“When I scored the penalty in the Europa League final, there were no fans because it was during Covid, so it’ll be much different with 90,000 at Wembley on Sunday.
“Having the penalty saved for Wales was disappointing. There’s always going to be someone who misses and unfortunately it was me that night. It only makes you stronger.”
Feel the ‘burn
Jim Ratcliffe says he wants to find a new superstar rather than fork out millions.
And the Ineos billionaire has been good to his word with SunSport revealing Old Trafford’s recruitment team are now going after 16-year-old Blackburn striker Igor Tyjon.
United’s move comes after we told you about their swoop for Port Vale forward Baylee Dipepa, 17.
And they are also in the running for Aussie right-back James Overy, 16, ahead of rivals Everton and West Ham.
Tyjon has already been on Rovers’ first team bench and their plans to tie him down are boosted by the fact that he wants to play senior football for them first.
Blackburn picked up Tyjon from Rochdale and will demand the biggest fee possible amid fears United will come in hard for the teenager.
Case is closed
But one man who did not join in the FA Cup celebrations was Casemiro.
The Brazilian was initially named among the substitutes at Wembley but was then withdrawn from the matchday squad altogether before the 3pm kick-off.
And while his pals were rejoicing on Saturday night, Casemiro was on an evening flight with his wife Anna Mariana and their children Sara and Caio.
Credit: Instagram casemiro On the Ras
Boozy Rasmus Hojlund and the Premier League’s “hottest Wag” led the United FA Cup celebrations.
The players and their loved ones partied into the night after upsetting City at Wembley.
Hojlund looked merry while holding a bottle of bubbly as plenty of the players got into the sing-songs.
Scott McTominay was joined by partner Cam Reading, who got a lovely picture of them together at their table.
Lindelof was also joined by his stunning wife Maja Nilsson Lindelof while Garnacho’s girlfriend Eva Garcia posted a photo of the pair posing with the FA Cup trophy with the caption of “I love you @garnacho7”.
Credit: Instagram rasmus.hoejlund Credit: Instagram majanilssonlindelof Credit: Instagram scottmctominay Credit: Instagram ishowspeed Credit: Instagram Al-mighty reaction
Sir Alex Ferguson delivered a brilliant one-word reaction to Manchester United’s stunning FA Cup final win.
After shaking hands with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, Sir Alex walked past a group of journalists waiting in the Wembley mixed zone in his United suit and tie.
Asked for his verdict, Ferguson simply said: “Fantastic.”
The FA Cup success was just the fifth piece of silverware for the Red Devils since Fergie retired in 2013.
Credit: Alamy
Dec puts rivalry aside
Declan Rice showed his class with a message of support for his best mate Mason Mount.
Mount came off the bench late on at Wembley as United won the FA Cup.
And in a celebratory Instagram post posing with the famous trophy, he wrote: “Ending a frustrating 2023/24 with a trophy. Your support pushed us all the way today as it has all season. Thank you United.”
Best mate and former Chelsea academy team-mate Rice commented: “Love it you.”
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount/ Ratcliffe snubs question
Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to back Ten Hag after the victory.
He was asked by a reporter: “Is Erik staying?”
But despite looking over to the reporter, he did not give an answer.
The silence of Manchester United failing to come out in support of Ten Hag in recent weeks has spoken volumes…
United after all?
Erik ten Hag appears to have secured his Manchester United – at least until next week.
The Dutchman was expected to be sacked regardless of the result in the FA Cup final.
But he is clinging on to his job for now – after the epic 2-1 win over City.
However, that may only be for another few days because United chiefs are planning to conduct a season review.
According to The Athletic, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford intend to “objectively assess all aspects” of the campaign, which included a worst-ever Premier League finish in eighth.
Credit: Alamy Van de Beek spotted at concert
Forgotten star Donny van de Beek snubbed Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph for a CONCERT in Amsterdam.
The £40million Dutchman, 27, featured just twice this season under Erik ten Hag before being packed off to Eintracht Frankfurt in January.
Van de Beek hoped to rediscover his old Ajax form with the German side, having failed to impress on loan at Everton two years ago.
But the midfielder was only able to feature in eight matches for the Bundesliga side.
And Frankfurt rejected the chance to make his stay permanent after snubbing a clause for just £9.5million.
Van de Beek is now technically back at United after the German league campaign ended a week ago.
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/donnyvdbeek/?hl=en Eriksen exit exclusive
Christian Eriksen will be handed the chance to rejoin first club Ajax this summer — if Manchester United agree to a pay-off.
But the Danish midfielder, 32, is set to sit tight until Erik ten Hag’s future is sorted, in case his old Spurs gaffer Mauricio Pochettino comes in.
Eriksen has 12 months left on his £150,000-a-week contract but United are keen to get some of the higher earners off the books to help fund Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s planned rebuild.
Yet with no chance of players matching their Old Trafford wages elsewhere, United face using a hefty slice of the summer budget to ease them out.
Credit: Getty Evans record
Jonny Evans has now won every single major trophy with Man Utd.
▪️Premier League
▪️UEFA Champions League
▪️FIFA Club World Cup
▪️FA Cup
▪️Carabao Cup
Rashford’s pride
Marcus Rashford has hit back at people who have criticised him for not caring about Man Utd.
After helping his club win the FA Cup, he shared an image of himself crying tears of joy.
He captioned the snap: “People want to know what Man United means to me!
Eriksen deal
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN will be handed the chance to rejoin first club Ajax this summer — if Manchester United agree to a pay-off.
But the Danish midfielder, 32, is set to sit tight until Erik ten Hag’s future is sorted, in case his old Spurs gaffer Mauricio Pochettino comes in.
Eriksen has 12 months left on his £150,000-a-week contract but United are keen to get some of the higher earners off the books to help fund Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s planned rebuild.
Yet with no chance of players matching their Old Trafford wages elsewhere, United face using a hefty slice of the summer budget to ease them out.
United would not ask for a fee for Eriksen as long as that is factored into any agreement over the remainder of his contract.
Evans wants Ten Hag to stay
JONNY EVANS became the first Manchester United player to declare they want Erik ten Hag to stay.
after securing the second FA Cup winners’ medal of his career, he made no secret of the fact that he wants the Dutchman to remain in charge.
He was first asked if the victory could be a significant start to something under Ten Hag, to which he said: “I hope so.
“He’s been amazing for me this season, bringing me back in.
“I’ve only got good things to say about him and over the last month I think he’s showing incredible tactical flexibility.”
When asked directly if he wants Ten Hag to stay, Evans said: “He’s been amazing for me and I can only thank him for that and I have a good relationship with him.
“So I hope he stays.”
Inside United’s cup celebrations
Erik Ten Hag was drenched in champagne while stars sank cans of Carling after Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph.
The Red Devils beat Man City 2-1 in Saturday’s clash, sealing a second trophy in as many years while avenging last season’s defeat to their rivals.
United boss Erik ten Hag was in defiant mood when he met the media afterwards, insisting he’d “go somewhere else to win trophies” if dismissed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
But he was all smiles when he returned to his players in the dressing room for jubilant celebrations.
Lisandro Martinez, who also played under Ten Hag at Ajax, soaked the gaffer in champagne after uncorking a bottle.
Scholes raves about Mainoo
PAUL SCHOLES has claimed that Kobbie Mainoo is “ten times the player” he was at 19.
He shared an image of Mainoo slotting past Ortega on his Instagram story.
And that came with a message that read: “Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week… don’t waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 19,” wrote Scholes.
“Just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what’s around him and of course big goals in big games.”
Scholes finished off by saying: “This boy is special… and he’s a f***ing red.”
Ten Hag’s x-rated outburst
ERIK TEN HAG gave an X-rated answer as he spoke following Manchester United’s FA Cup victory.
The Red Devils boss did not hold back as he described a previous performance from his side.
United were thrashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace earlier this month on their way to an eight placed finish in the Premier League.
However, he hailed his team’s response since that defeat after United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Following the win, Ten Hag spoke to MUTV and was asked about his players’ “brilliant” display against City.
In response, he said: “I’m proud as well, firstly for the players, the staff, they did an incredible job, and the fans. The whole season.
“I remember Crystal Palace a couple of weeks ago when we played s*** and they backed us.
“They backed us and they are incredible. I said last week after Newcastle, they are the best fans in the world so I am really grateful.”
Ten Hag’s pride
Erik Ten Hag was “like a proud father” as he embraced his two teenage Manchester United FA Cup heroes.
Fans were moved as captain Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford burst into tears after their epic triumph.
But fans were moved by more nice scenes that were caught on camera as Ten Hag, who Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to back even after the cup victory, got hold of his two teenage matchwinners.
The clip showed the boss place a hand on each of Garnacho and Mainoo’s cheeks as he then pointed at them and pulled them both in for a cuddle as they smiled.
Ten Hag’s defiant response
Erik Ten Hag has issued a defiant response to rumours he could be sacked by Manchester United.
The Red Devils boss’ future has been in doubt for several weeks following their disappointing season.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, he explained: “Two trophies in two seasons and three finals. That’s not bad.
“If they don’t want me any more I go somewhere else to win trophies. That is what I do.”
Ten Hag’s dig at Keane
ERIK TEN HAG took a brutal dig at Roy Keane’s managerial record after guiding Manchester United to FA Cup glory.
The Dutch tactician could not resist taking a sly dig at Keane, who was working as a pundit at Wembley.
Keane said to him: “You must be proud of them, we’ve always questioned players about their quality at Man United, but character and leadership.
“They showed character today – which I had questioned, and a lot of people have…you shouldn’t listen to them pundits anyway! Take no notice of the pundits.”
Ten Hag replied: “But you told me!”
eane, pointing at fellow pundits Ian Wright and Joleon Lescott, then joked: “No, them two!” Ten Hag hit back by saying: “You had trouble to manage a team!”
That led to Keane saying: “Ah, I won a Championship with Sunderland…give me some praise, ah come on! You’re too harsh on me!”
Ten Hag then tried to explain “what I said to you” before Keane interrupted him to say “I agree” as both men smiled.
Ten Hag’s tactical masterplan
ERIK TEN HAG’S tactical tweak outfoxed Pep Guardiola as he deployed an unsung Manchester United hero in a shock new position.
The Dutchman secured his second trophy as Man City were trumped 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo secured victory for United on Saturday.
The Red Devils kept City at bay for most of the match, with the Premier League champions unable to make an impact until Jeremy Doku’s goal in the 87th minute.
And it was all down to a brilliant tactical tweak from Ten Hag involving fan favourite Scott McTominay.
The Scot is usually deployed as a box-to-box midfielder and occasionally even plays as a No10.
But in the FA Cup final, McTominay formed part of a front two with Bruno Fernandes.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
