Manchester United triumphed 2-1 against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, with teenage stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scoring in the first half. Despite the victory, questions linger about manager Erik ten Hag‘s future at the club.
Garnacho opened the scoring at the half-hour mark, and Mainoo doubled the lead in the 39th minute. City’s Bernardo Silva pulled one back, but United held on for the win, securing their second trophy in two seasons under Ten Hag. This victory also earned them a place in the Europa League next season.
After the match, Ten Hag addressed rumors about his potential departure. “I don’t think about this,” he said. “I’m in a project, and we are exactly where we want to be. We’re constructing a team for the future, and winning trophies is part of that process. If they don’t want me anymore, then I’ll go elsewhere to win trophies because that is what I have done my whole career.”
Despite securing two trophies in two years, speculation about Ten Hag’s future persists. Reports have linked Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank, and Mauricio Pochettino with the United job. Club figures like Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson have remained tight-lipped about Ten Hag’s status.
United defender Diogo Dalot emphasized the team’s desire to win. “You could feel in the dressing room we really wanted to win this game,” he said. “The fans deserved this victory.”
Mainoo, named man of the match, praised the team’s effort. “It’s unbelievable, the fans, the game as a whole,” he said. “This game was the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Teammate Bruno Fernandes and former United star Wayne Rooney also praised Mainoo’s performance, highlighting his composure and skill.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola accepted blame for the loss, acknowledging his game plan was flawed. “My game plan wasn’t good,” he said. “We are disappointed today, but this season has been extraordinary.”
As United celebrates their FA Cup win, the club faces crucial decisions about its managerial future.
