Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag treated himself to a celebratory meal at his favourite Italian restaurant on Sunday night after his side’s dramatic FA Cup win against bitter rivals Liverpool.
United edged a seven-goal thriller after twice falling behind, with Amad Diallo netting the winner in the 121st minute to spark jubilant scenes at Old Trafford.
Amid the pandemonium, Ten Hag cut a relaxed figure on the touchline as he somehow kept his emotions in check, but he was clearly delighted with the win as he headed to the Italian restaurant Piccolino in Cheshire with his agent Kees Vos and other members of his management team afterwards.
Ten Hag and co enjoyed a three-hour meal at Piccolino before exiting the restaurant at around 11pm.
The group appeared in high spirits following a rollercoaster day that saw United book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals in one of the most enthralling ties in recent memory.
Ten Hag has regularly visited the Italian restaurant during his two years in Manchester, having been pictured dining there after losing his first match in charge of the Red Devils against Brighton in April 2022.
He went there earlier this season as well, as he opted not to watch Manchester City in Champions League action just days before the Manchester derby back in October.
The restaurant is also popular with his squad, with Casemiro and Diogo Dalot taking their partners there following a win over Aston Villa in the final weeks of last season.
Ten Hag will hope the win over Liverpool gives him some breathing space as he fights to keep hold of his job following the arrival of new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe is believed to be assessing whether to keep the Dutchman at Old Trafford beyond this season after a disappointing campaign for the club.
United currently look set to miss out on Champions League football as they sit sixth in the Premier League table.
They were also dumped out of Europe before Christmas and have lost 16 games across all competitions.
But they now have another trip to Wembley to look forward to after seeing off Jurgen Klopp’s men.
They will be expected to make the final after being handed a last-four tie with Championship side Coventry City, with a clash against Manchester City or Chelsea awaiting them if they beat the Sky Blues.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
