What Erik ten Hag told Manchester United squad after FA Cup final defeat to Man City
Erik ten Hag expressed his pride in the performance of his Manchester United team during their loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Despite facing low expectations due to City’s dominant season and their own journey to the Premier League title and Champions League final, United played exceptionally well in the match, even though they ultimately lost 2-1.
Unfortunately, their chances were hindered by conceding a goal just 13 seconds into the game, when Ilkay Gundogan capitalized on a hasty clearance by Victor Lindelof.
Despite the initial setback, Manchester United avoided a total breakdown and successfully held off Manchester City’s early attacks.
As the match progressed, United gradually found their rhythm and began to restrict their opponents’ opportunities.
They were given a lifeline when a penalty was awarded for Jack Grealish’s handball, and Bruno Fernandes stepped up and converted the spot-kick, offering United a way back into the game.
The second half of the match was finely balanced, with both teams having equal opportunities to score. However, it was Manchester City who secured the winning goal when Ilkay Gundogan found himself unmarked at the edge of the penalty area, and his volley went past an unfortunate David de Gea.
Manchester United, with Alejandro Garnacho leading the charge, made valiant efforts to equalize, but City managed to hold on for the victory as they approached a potential treble.
Following the match, Erik ten Hag commented on the atmosphere within the dressing room.
“We are broken, disappointed of course, but I said I am proud of my team,” he told the BBC. “We did very well, we conceded two soft goals but we were in the game.
“There was a great spirit and very good organisation. They were tough goals, they were so soft and avoidable. When you play against City and you don’t concede almost nothing from open play it is a big credit for the team but if you concede goals like this it is disappointing.
“This team showed resilience, character and personality. We know we have a way to go but this will make us better. It was a test for us, we didn’t succeed but we can take a lot of positives into next season.”
What Erik ten Hag told Manchester United squad after FA Cup final defeat to Man City
