“We are not where we want to be yet”: Ten Hag makes bold claim after FA Cup final win

The Dutchman won his second title with United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his team isn’t there where they want to be, even after their FA Cup final victory on Saturday. United overcame derby rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley, avenging last year’s defeat to them at the same stage and salvage a disappointing campaign.

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored apiece in the first half for the Red Devils before Jeremy Doku pulled one back for the Sky Blues in the 87th minute. However, the holders fell short of finding the elusive equalizer as United won the FA Cup after six years.

Ten Hag, who could still be sacked by the club for overseeing their worst ever Premier League campaign, lauded his team after the game, saying they are better than what they were when he arrived, but admitted that they could still go a long way. He said:

“I prepare my team, develop it. It’s a project. When I arrived, I can say that it was a mess. Today, we were better. We’re not where we want to be yet”.

Manchester United were the better side in today’s FA Cup final, clinically splitting open City’s defense while capitalizing on their mistakes. Defensively, too, the Red Devils were stoic, not allowing their derby rivals any time or space to work into and effectively limiting their goalscoring opportunities.

Manchester United win FA Cup after eight years

Since last winning the FA Cup in 2016, Manchester United had reached the finals thrice. While they lost the previous two – against Chelsea in 2018 and against Manchester City in 2023 – the Red Devils were on course for an unwanted record of losing in three consecutive finals, something only the Blues have experienced before. But much to everyone’s surprise, United put on a flawless display today, brilliantly opening up City while maintaining a water-tight defense too.

Also Read:

• Watch: Kobbie Mainoo goal doubles Manchester United’s lead over Manchester City in the FA Cup final
• Jeremy Doku scores late goal for Manchester City in the FA Cup final
• Manchester United fans brutally mock Manchester City with ‘cheat’ road sign ahead of FA Cup final