Erik ten Hag delivers a passionate rallying cry during an on-pitch speech to Man United fans as he battles to convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS that he is the right man for the job.
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Erik ten Hag admitted Manchester United have not had an “easy” season, but promised his players would “give everything” to win the FA Cup in a speech to fans after their 3-2 win at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils kept their hopes of winning European football next season alive through the league with a victory over Newcastle that put them level on points with the Magpies in seventh.
Regardless of their league position, United will earn the right to play on the continent with an FA Cup final victory against Manchester City on May 25.
And Ten Hag promised his players would do everything in their power to win their second trophy under his leadership, after thanking fans for their continued support.
“On behalf of the playing staff, I would like to thank you all for your brilliant support this season.” He said. “As you know, it was not an easy season, but one thing remained constant and that was your support for the team.
“But this season is not over yet, we are going to Brighton then Wembley and I promise you that these players will give everything to win this cup and bring it to Old Trafford and we are sure that you will be there to support us, thank us, the best fans in the world.
Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, the Dutchman dismissed claims United’s final home game of the season would be their farewell to Old Trafford.
Earlier, Brentford boss Thomas Frank joined the list of names linked to replacing the former Ajax manager in the United hot seat. United’s minority owners, Ineos, are known to admire Frank and believe he is the kind of manager who would be content to concentrate on team business and leave the club’s new management group to recruit new players. players.
Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi are other names in the frame, but the absence of a standout candidate could still work in Ten Hag’s favor with Ineos yet to make a decision on his future.
Ten Hag’s insistence that he maintain fan support would not have been helped by the audible boos that could be heard in the ground during his speech. However, Mail Sport understands that the dissent has come from Newcastle supporters.
The Magpies saw their own European aspirations dashed thanks to goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. Eddie Howe’s side remained competitive throughout the match, first securing the equalizer through Anthony Gordon after Mainoo’s opener.
Then it set up a tense finish when Lewis Hall scored his second Old Trafford goal of the season in the 92nd minute.
The Magpies travel to west London to face Brentford in their final game of the season, while United travel to Brighton to face De Zerbi’s men.
Their chances of finishing the season with a trophy have been boosted with the return from injury of Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford, who were both late substitutes in the midweek victory.
Captain Bruno Fernandes also returns to the fray, starting the match before putting in a superb performance which was essential to clinch the three points.
