Football News Update: Erik ten Hag Focused on FA Cup Glory for Manchester United
In a pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup final, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag brushed aside talk of his future, stating his sole focus was on winning the trophy against rivals Manchester City this Saturday at Wembley.
Determined to End Season on a High Note
The Dutchman, who is in his first season at Old Trafford, acknowledged the challenges United have faced with an injury-hit campaign, which saw them finish a disappointing eighth in the Premier League. However, Ten Hag remains determined to end the season on a high note by claiming the FA Cup.
“I came here to win trophies. Saturday I have the next opportunity and we achieved this, earned this opportunity as a team and now we have to go for it,” said Ten Hag.
Coy on Speculation Surrounding Future
The Manchester United boss was coy when asked about speculation surrounding his future, with names like Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Kieran McKenna being linked to the Old Trafford hot seat. Ten Hag simply responded, “I have nothing to say. I am just focusing on the job I have to do.”
Guardiola Acknowledges Challenges, but Warns of Pressure
City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged the challenges Ten Hag has faced this season, particularly with injuries to key players. However, the Spaniard warned that the Dutchman will still be judged on results, stating:
“In big clubs like United and City, when you don’t win you are always in trouble. It is not a secret.”
City Aiming for Successive Domestic Doubles
Guardiola’s City side are aiming to become the first team to win successive domestic doubles, having clinched their fourth consecutive Premier League title last week. However, the City manager insisted his focus is solely on finishing the season strongly rather than chasing records.
A Repeat of Last Season’s Final
The FA Cup final marks the first time since 1885 that the same two sides have met in a repeat of the previous year’s final. United will be looking to avenge their 2-1 defeat to City in last season’s showpiece event, where the citizens opened the scoring after just 13 seconds.
Injury Concerns and Hopeful Performances
With Manchester United’s injury issues easing in recent weeks, including the returns of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes, Ten Hag is hopeful his side can produce the performance of their lives to lift the trophy. However, they will be without the services of defender Harry Maguire, who has been ruled out due to a muscle injury.
The FA Cup final kicks off this Saturday, May 6th, at 5:45 pm BST. Fans can tune in to the action on BBC One and BT Sport.
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