Manchester United ended a troublesome season by winning the FA Cup final at the expense of their bitter rivals on Saturday.
Only 12 months ago, the very same team and manager travelled to Wembley only to watch Manchester City score inside 13 seconds, win the contest and then go on to win a historic Treble.
But now the under-fire Erik ten Hag was able to cool down any outside noise by guiding Manchester United to a deserved 2-1 win at Wembley.
Heading into the game, there was a lot of noise around ten Hag’s future and some even suggested that he could be booted out even if he went on to win it.
As you can imagine, the Dutchman was all smiles during his post-match, although the manner in which Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker conducted their interview with the Manchester United man on the BBC didn’t go down well with many.
It was more of a friendly vibe when ten Hag was interviewed on ITV Sport, with Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Joleon Lescott on duty.
The former Manchester United captain told ten Hag that he must be ‘proud’ of his team’s display as he highlighted the ‘leadership’ and ‘character’ of the players.
But whilst ten Hag lauded the likes of Bruno Fernandes, who wears the armband, Raphael Varane, who has played his last game for the club and Lisandro Martinez, who managed just over 70 minutes after an injury-hit campaign.
Ten Hag also told Keane ‘don’t forget’ about his goalkeeper Andre Onana and his leadership qualities.
Erik ten Hag hails Andre Onana after Manchester United win FA Cup final
“You must be proud, Eric,” Keane told ten Hag. “We have always questioned players about the quality at Man United, but characters and leadership. They showed character today, which I have questioned and a lot of people have. But you must be proud of that side of it today.”
Ten Hag responded: “I know. Also, some progress very good in that matter, like Bruno Fernandes. I think he is a great captain. It helps absolutely when you have Raphael Varane is there. Lisandro Martinez is returning.
“Also, Scott McTominay gives a lot of energy to the team. Onana, don’t forget him in his leadership. So, yes, we have some leadership abilities in the team. But we have to improve it much more.”
Post-FA Cup final
Usually, you celebrate a win like this, enjoy your summer and then prepare for the international tournaments.
But for Manchester United, it seems to be more about the manager’s future rather than celebrating what they have achieved.
Sources have told HITC that those inside the club are angered by suggestions that they are interviewing potential candidates for the job.
READ MORE: Gary Neville and David Beckham hail Manchester United star after FA Cup final win
Whilst a trophy was delivered, the team did finish eighth in the Premier League and it was Manchester United’s lowest-ever finish in over three decades.
So, from that perspective, it’s understandable why there is a mixed reaction to the team’s performances.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
