Manchester United clinched the FA Cup title with a 2-1 victory over Manchester City, defying predictions and possibly altering the fate of their manager, Erik Ten Hag in a stunning turn of events.
Even with a season filled with difficulties and Ten Hag’s acknowledgment of its subpar performance, his strategic acumen was evident at Wembley, which may have secured his job.
Manchester City, the anticipated victors for a consecutive Premier League and FA Cup double, were outmaneuvered by Ten Hag’s United. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in the first half set United on a path to their first FA Cup triumph in eight years.
City’s late effort, an 87th-minute goal by Jeremy Doku, was insufficient to overturn United’s lead, despite Andre Onana’s less-than-stellar attempt at a save. The victory was sealed with Ten Hag’s celebratory kiss on the trophy.
When questioned about his job security, Ten Hag focused on his commitment to improving the team, viewing it as a long-term project. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, graciously acknowledged United’s win in a closely contested match.
The win serves as a high point in an otherwise tumultuous season for Ten Hag, reminiscent of Louis van Gaal’s departure from United shortly after an FA Cup win. Ten Hag, however, might draw parallels to Alex Ferguson’s pivotal 1990 FA Cup win, which marked the beginning of his legendary tenure at United.
With United’s eighth-place Premier League finish and early Champions League exit, the club’s lowest standing since 1990, co-owners and shareholders, including Jim Ratcliffe, have much to consider. Ten Hag attributes the season’s struggles to a lengthy injury roster but points to his record of two trophies in three cup finals as evidence of his capabilities when the team is fully fit.
United’s victory not only ends a six-year trophy drought but also secures their place in the Europa League, sparing them from a season devoid of European competition for the first time since 2014-15.
City’s pursuit of a double faltered against a resolute United defense, marking their first domestic loss since a defeat at Aston Villa 171 days prior. Despite their recent Premier League triumph, City’s performance suggested a hangover from their celebrations.
United’s disciplined strategy paid off when Diogo Dalot’s long ball caused confusion between Josko Gvardiol and City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, leading to Garnacho’s goal. Mainoo capitalized on further defensive errors, doubling United’s lead.
City intensified their efforts in the second half, but Doku’s late goal was not enough to prevent United’s win. As the match concluded, Ten Hag awaited the outcome that could either extend his tenure or mark a memorable conclusion to his time with United.
Reported By AFP.
