Erik ten Hag has issued a stark warning to Manchester United’s owners, stating he will continue his trophy-winning ways elsewhere if they decide to sack him following United’s 2-1 victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Despite reports suggesting Ten Hag would be dismissed regardless of the result at Wembley, the Dutch manager made a compelling case to stay in charge by outsmarting City boss Pep Guardiola, securing his second trophy in two years at the club.
However, Ten Hag remains uncertain about his future, as he revealed he had not been informed if he would be let go. United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and members of the Glazer family, who hold the majority share in the club, celebrated the victory from the Royal Box.
The triumph may not be enough to secure Ten Hag’s position after a disappointing season in the Premier League, where United finished eighth—their lowest position since 1990—and exited the Champions League at the group stage. United also suffered 14 league defeats, including humiliating losses to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, and finished with a negative goal difference, 31 points behind champions City.
Despite these setbacks, Ten Hag is confident in his leadership and the direction the team is heading. In a defiant post-match press conference, the former Ajax coach emphasized his commitment to winning and building a competitive team.
“When I started here, I said I’m here to win and build a team. Both I’m doing,” Ten Hag stated. “If they don’t want me, I’ll go elsewhere and do what I’ve always done—win games and trophies.”
When asked about any assurances regarding his job security, Ten Hag responded: “They always tell me the same thing. They don’t have to tell me every week. I’m focused on the project and constructing a team for the future.”
United have been linked with several potential replacements for Ten Hag, including Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, and Kieran McKenna. However, Ten Hag dismissed the speculation, stating: “I don’t know if they’ve talked to anyone. I can’t answer that. My focus is on my project here.”
Defeating a City team that recently secured a fourth consecutive Premier League title was a significant achievement for Ten Hag. He credited an astute game plan and highlighted the importance of the FA Cup win.
“If you play at this level against the best team in the world, then I’m very happy,” he said. “The FA Cup was on my bucket list. It’s a huge trophy, and I’m delighted we won it as a team.”
Ten Hag, who ended United’s six-year trophy drought with last season’s League Cup win, emphasized the progress made under his guidance and the need for further investment in the squad to compete with City long-term.
“When you don’t have players available, you can’t perform,” he noted. “The squad depth is not good enough. We need transfer windows to bring in players who are always available.”
Ten Hag’s support among his players was evident, with Lisandro Martinez lifting him in celebration at the final whistle and many players embracing him. He was also cheered by United fans as he lifted the Cup, celebrating passionately with the supporters.
