Erik ten Hag refused to comment on Manchester United’s future ahead of the FA Cup final
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was not drawn into talking about his future during the final pre-game press conference of the season.
The Dutchman spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City and insisted on talking about the game at hand rather than what lies ahead following the clash at Wembley.
United have been below par this season, finishing eighth in the Premier League.
It means that the only way they can get into Europe is to beat their city rivals in the biggest league.
Pep Guardiola’s men are looking to complete a domestic double after winning the league title on the final day.
When asked about his future, Ten Hag said: “I have nothing to say, I am focused on the work I have to do and that is to win the game on Saturday and then we enter the program and continue the work.
🚨 Erik woke up @HarryMaguire93 from Saturday #FACupFinal.
The manager also provided fitness updates for a few other Reds ⤵️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2024
“I came here to win trophies. On Saturday I have a chance to achieve this and we got this chance as a team.
“We have to take it. After each season you review it and see where you are in the project and what things might need to change.
“We just talked about it. There are rising players, developing players, rising prices. We have a great chance on Saturday to win the cup.”
Manchester United motivation
This game is a replay of last season’s final where United lost 2-1 thanks to Ilkay Gundogan’s goal.
If they are to have any chance of winning 12 months later, Ten Hag will need their stars aligned and ready from the first moment.
Another player who was far from his normal levels was Marcus Rashford.
Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford will use the disappointment of being left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad to strengthen him 🔥#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/nsrYlOI6Ps
-BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 23, 2024
The England international has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 and has issued a statement on social media wishing the manager and team-mates the best in Germany.
The Ten Hag was asked about his No.10 in a press conference and admitted that Rashford is using the disappointment as motivation to get back to his best form.
He added: “That’s your job – the aches and pains.
“The down can give you fuel and that’s what I see in training. You are very motivated.
“Talk with your feet, you’re very smart, you’ve had a great career, I’m sure he’ll get through this and get more goals.
“The FA Cup final is a big event and we are there.
“Even in the season that is not in our way, we are there. We know we have a chance.
“It won’t be easy, but we have to do that. We have to believe. We know that when we face a good team we play our best football and it should be the same on Saturday.”
