Manchester United ended the 2023/24 season in the best way possible, winning the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City.
It felt like Erik ten Hag proved a point in the FA Cup Final, and he knew it. Speaking post-match, the Manchester United manager warned that if the club sack him, he will simply win trophies elsewhere.
You can’t argue with his record of winning silverware. He is the first Red Devils manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win trophies in successive seasons.
A decision on his future now rests with Ineos. The club’s new investors are conducting a review whether to keep him on as manager, or take a new direction.
Jurgen Klinsmann backs Erik ten Hag, and praises Sofyan Amrabat
Erik ten Hag faced a barrage of questions over his future during an interview with the BBC after winning the FA Cup Final. He dealt with it well.
But after the win, there are some who feel Ten Hag deserves more time. One of those is former Premier League striker Jurgen Klinsmann.
Klinsmann told ESPN he was also struck by the towering performance from Sofyan Amrabat in Manchester United’s midfield.
He said: “You watch his interview, the only thing he talks about is his team, what they did right, about his players. Every time questioned about his own future he just moved away from it, talked about the team.
“And if your team is hungry, determined, and puts in all the energy and the spirit, they can do special things.
“They played to their own strengths, with some magnificent performances, like Amrabat was fantastic in the middle of the park. That makes you proud as a manager, as a coach.
“I really think that he deserves a huge compliment, Erik ten Hag.”
“Sometimes it takes time as a group to grow together. Amrabat took some time to become part of Man United’s team. The younger ones growing into that group. He delivered two trophies in two years.”
“I feel for Erik, I hope he gets a chance to continue.”
Trophy wins a platform to build from
Erik ten Hag has ended the 2023/24 season on a high, and there is a real feelgood factor at Manchester United right now.
This is something Ineos hope will be capitalised on next season, whoever is in charge. Erik ten Hag feels he deserves the chance to stay on as manager.
The performance in the Premier League was poor, an eighth placed finish, yet United have still qualified for the Europa League due to the FA Cup win.
There is an obvious caveat to Manchester United’s difficulties this season, due to serious injury issues impeding Ten Hag.
Can Ineos simply work to strengthen the squad in the right places, and give Ten Hag a better squad to work with?