City derby in the final of the FA Cup: For Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag, it’s about more than just the title. Various successors are already being discussed.
On the outside, ten Hag appeared quite cool before his fateful match. “I came here to win titles,” said the ailing Manchester United team manager. “I’m just focused on the job I have to do.” But the names Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and even Gareth Southgate have long been floating around Old Trafford as potential successors to ten Hag.
From 4 p.m.: FA Cup in the live ticker arrow right
Therefore, there is much more at stake than the FA Cup title when England’s record champions challenge city rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (May 25, 2024, from 4 p.m. in the live ticker on sportschau.de). The outcome of the final could have a significant impact on ten Hag’s future as ManUnited coach.
Worst league season since 1990
“First I want to win the game on Saturday,” said the Dutchman, “and then it’s about continuing the project.” However, it is questionable whether ten Hag will even be allowed to do this after the worst season in the league since 1990. ManUnited finished the current season in eighth place with a negative goal difference. By comparison: ManCity won a full 31 points more in their historic fourth title win in a row.
Although Pep Guardiola’s ManCity is clearly the favorite going into the final, the pressure is on ten Hag’s team. ManUnited will only qualify for international play next season if they win – otherwise they face their first season without playing in Europe since 2014/15. That would probably cost ten Hag his job for good. “It was a difficult year for us as a team and for the fans,” said goalkeeper Andre Onana: “But we will fight for everything at Wembley until the end.”
