May 27 – Most teams would consider winning the FA Cup, the world’s most prestigious domestic knockout competition, a momentous achievement and the very essence of success.
But Manchester United are not most teams.
Even upsetting Manchester City 2-1 in Saturday’s final at Wembley, securing European football next season in the process, may not be able to save manager Erik ten Hag’s job according to multiple reports.
United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly sounded out several potential candidates to replace Ten Hag because of the club’s eighth-placed Premier League finish, their worst since 1990.
But Ten Hag certainly gave United’s new hierarchy, including directors Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc as well as technical director Jason Wilcox, food for thought after foiling City’s bid to win successive Premier League and FA Cup doubles.
United lifted the FA Cup for the first time in eight years thanks to goals from teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, giving Ten Hag two trophies in his turbulent two-year reign.
Whether that will be enough to earn a stay of execution remains to be seen.
On Sunday, the entire 28-strong first team squad published a letter – also signed by Ten Hag – on the club website, admitting this season has “not been good enough” as they aim to build on their unexpected Wembley triumph.
“We all know that this club is special. Yesterday’s game was yet another reminder of that,” the letter said. “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.”
“As we fought to win the FA Cup, the incredible atmosphere you generated inside Wembley helped push us over the line.
“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.”
The club’s Dutch coach is believed to have jetted off on holiday 24 hours after lifting the cup, having used his post-match press conference to cut a defiant figure as he warned that he will “go somewhere else to win trophies” if he is sacked.
Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, ex-Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, England coach Gareth Southgate and Ipswich’s promotion-winning manager Kieran McKenna have all reportedly been linked with the United job.
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