Manchester United ended what was a drab 23/24 campaign on a monumental high when they lifted the FA Cup, giving Erik ten Hag a little more leeway when it comes to his future at the club.
The Manchester United manager has not had it easy this season. A plethora of injuries, off-the-pitch problems and a sea of bad results has led to speculation he may not be the right man for the job at the helm of the Red Devils.
However, after that FA Cup Final, the feeling is clear around Manchester United fans – most are now firmly Ten Hag in.
Nevertheless, some still have doubts, or at least a little tentative heading into the new campaign. That includes former Manchester United winger, Gordon Hill.
Gordon Hill on Erik ten Hag after FA Cup triumph
Hill, notorious for being active on X, has expressed doubts about the Dutchman’s future and has been critical of Ten Hag’s performances in the past, but gave credit where credit is due after his FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.
He wrote on X: ‘Great result and well done,’ immediately after the game concluded, but it was his message three days later that showed his respect levels for Ten Hag had gone through the roof.
Hill then stated: ‘I have just finished watching and listening to Erik ten Hag, and my first thoughts was wow he opened up even with the people there, and boy did he show some balls, I love the way he told the commentators everything we have been missing, and for that, I take my hat off to him.’
Before following up with: ‘Carrying on from my last post, Eric that was a fantastic after-match speech, please keep it up and be yourself, I saw a person who stood up and said believe in me, that took balls. well done. enjoy your holiday.’
Gordon Hill issues Erik ten Hag a warning for next season
Next season, if he gets there, is not going to be easy for Ten Hag. Every single move will be scrutinized. If he does remain in the job for the time being, there is no doubt that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos mob would pull the trigger early if a string of bad results came about.
Hill, who has played for the Red Devils 101 times, knows this and issued a stark four-word warning to the 54-year-old. It read: ‘Now you must deliver.’
He’s absolutely right, albeit if his spelling is a little off, Ten Hag needs to deliver from the off in the 25/25 campaign. If he doesn’t, the small price of his job is what he’ll have to pay. No pressure, right?