It might’ve been Manchester United’s worst league campaign in over 30 years, but the Red Devils ended the term with a flourish as they lifted the FA Cup trophy at Wembley on Saturday.
Teenagers Alejandro Garnarcho and Koibbe Mainoo supplied the goals in a comprehensive 2-1 victory over reigning champions Manchester City as Erik ten Hag delivered his second trophy in two years with the club.
United arrived in London as massive underdogs but stunned the reigning Premier League champions with a masterclass from Ten Hag, though victory has only made the noise surrounding the Dutchman louder amid reports that the FA Cup final would be his last match at the helm.
Ten Hag did not entertain rumours that he could be given the axe after Saturday’s triumph, instead telling United’s hierarchy that he will ‘go and win trophies somewhere else’ if he isn’t wanted.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of United’s hierarchy have reportedly been sounding out replacements for Ten Hag with other clubs, notably Chelsea, in the market for a new manager this summer. Meanwhile, in-demand Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna was also approached by the club.
And Ten Hag cut a defiant figure in the aftermath of his side’s 2-1 victory, responding to rumours of his sacking by stating: “If they don’t want me any more, I go somewhere else and win trophies, that’s what I’ve done my whole career.”
Ratcliffe snubs Ten Hag question
Ineos owner Ratcliffe appeared to jilt a question from a reporter when asked whether Ten Hag would stay at United in the wake of their FA Cup triumph.
Reports before the final stated that Ratcliffe and United’s top brass had agreed to dispose of Ten Hag, regardless of the result against City on Saturday.
In a clip shared on social media, Ratcliffe chose not to reply when queried on the future of the Dutchman after the club’s big win, though he did share his praise of the team’s achievement afterwards.
The 71-year-old said: “It is a glorious feeling to win the FA Cup final at Wembley. Manchester United clearly were not the favourites to win today but they played with total commitment and skill and overcame one of the great teams in football. We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them.”
Rashford in tears amid exit rumours
Marcus Rashford shared an emotional photo of himself in tears after the FA Cup triumph, telling fans on Instagram: “That’s what the club means to me.”
Rashford’s commitment to the club has been under fierce scrutiny during a torrid individual season for the 26-year-old. His poor form saw him snubbed by Gareth Southgate for the Euros, while exit rumours spun around him. Rashford has been linked with a move away to Paris Saint-Germain.
The forward has managed just seven goals and two assists in the Premier League, a stark drop off from the 17 goals and five assists from last season. And while not on the scoresheet against City, Rashford was instrumental in Saturday’s victory.
