Manchester United and beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag shocked bookmakers and their critics to pull off a stunning FA Cup final victory over hot favorites Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday night.
Ten Hag went into this Manchester derby final with the growing expectation that he will be sacked by United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, irrespective of the outcome.
If Ten Hag is to be dismissed, he will be going out on the back of the finest day of his two-year reign and United’s finest moment for years following a performance that was virtually unrecognisable from the dismal fare they have served up this season.
United’s triumph, which denied Premier League champions City a second successive domestic double, was built on an outstanding first-half display that brought goals from Alejadro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
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Garnacho was the beneficiary of a mix-up between City keeper Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol as he was left with an open goal on the half-hour while Mainoo crowned a sweeping move with a calm finish from Bruno Fernandes’ delicate touch nine minutes later.
City inevitably applied pressure in the second half, Erling Haaland hitting the frame of the goal, United keeper Andre Onana saving superbly from Kyle Walker and Julian Alvarez missing a great chance.
City substitute Jeremy Doku pulled one back with four minutes left but Ten Hag’s side held firm to record a famous victory and win a 13th FA Cup, their first since 2015.
In another report, Julen Lopetegui, the seasoned tactician, has pledged to bring a new era of excitement and success to West Ham United, following his appointment as the club’s new manager.
With a wealth of experience at the highest level, including a stint at Real Madrid, Lopetegui is determined to make a lasting impact at the London Stadium.
After a brief hiatus, Julen Lopetegui is back in the managerial hot seat, taking the reins at West Ham United. The 57-year-old Spanish tactician had been absent from the dugout since departing Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.