Manchester United’s FA Cup-winning stars have promised to “achieve great things” as manager Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future. Despite leading the team to a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, reports suggest Ten Hag may be sacked, regardless of the outcome.
The win at Wembley, highlighted by goals from young talents Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, marks United’s first FA Cup triumph in eight years and adds a second trophy to Ten Hag’s tumultuous two-year tenure. This success, however, might not be enough to save his job, as United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his team are reportedly considering other managerial options after the club’s worst Premier League finish since 1990.
Ten Hag’s tactical brilliance in the final thwarted City’s attempt to secure consecutive Premier League and FA Cup doubles, giving Ratcliffe plenty to think about. The team’s performance demonstrated their support for Ten Hag, celebrating warmly with him after the match.
On Sunday, the first team published a letter on the club’s website, signed by Ten Hag, acknowledging the season’s challenges and expressing optimism for the future. “We all know that this club is special. Yesterday’s game was yet another reminder of that,” the letter stated. “Celebrating all together was beautiful. Fans, staff, players – all united as one. Those memories will live with us forever. It was a further reminder that with your support behind us, and the United badge on our chests, we can achieve great things.”
Despite speculation about his future, Ten Hag appeared confident, using his post-match press conference to hint he would continue winning trophies elsewhere if dismissed. Potential successors like Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, and Kieran McKenna have been linked to the job.
United center-back Jonny Evans publicly backed Ten Hag, praising his tactical adaptability. “Over the last month, he has shown incredible tactical flexibility. Sitting off and counter-attacking is not the style he sees himself coaching but he has recognized the right time to do it and has done it,” Evans said.
As the season ends, United’s players are focused on returning the club to its former glory. “We know this season overall has not been good enough and we make no excuses. But we ended it in the best way possible, celebrating a trophy all together,” the letter continued. “We want more days like yesterday. We are excited for the future here. There is so much that we have to achieve together. We will fight to bring Manchester United the success that this special club deserves.”
