Manchester United legend and television pundit Roy Keane has hinted that new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe should keep Erik ten Hag on as manager following the club’s dramatic FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium this afternoon.
The Red Devils came into the clash as massive underdogs but in what could be Erik ten Hag’s final match as manager, they managed to find the opening goal thanks to a massive defensive misstep by Josko Gvardiol who saw his header back to goalkeeper Stefan Ortega float over his head and into the awaiting path of Alejandro Garnacho who calmly slotted the ball into an open net.
United thought they’d grabbed a second when Garnacho’s cross found Marcus Rashford open at the back post but it was ruled out for offside. However, less than two minutes later, the Argentinian was once again involved as his pass to Bruno Fernandes on the edge of the box brilliantly made its way to youngster Kobbie Mainoo who guided it past Ortega to give United a two-goal cushion.
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After the break, Pep Guardiola’s side breathed new life as Jeremy Doku looked to make the second half complicated for Ten Hag’s resilient defensive unit who were backed up by some excellent shot-stopping from Andre Onana. Erling Haaland’s close-range strike reverberated back off the crossbar before Kyle Walker had two efforts palmed away by Onana.
Doku eventually found a way through, his long-range shot sneaking into the bottom-left corner to give City a slight chance of making a comeback with less than 10 minutes to go but an assured defensive display made sure that the red side of Manchester were the ones singing the loudest as United secured their 13th FA Cup trophy.
With Ten Hag’s future at the club still up in the air after Ratcliffe’s arrival, it’s unclear as to whether he’ll now have a better chance of staying on given the fact he’s won two domestic trophies in his two seasons with the club. Names such as former club coach and now Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as well as ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino have been floated around but the question still remains around the Dutchman.
Keane has certainly had his say on the subject and believes the club needs to be backing the manager despite a lack of tangible results this season. Speaking on ITV’s coverage of the final, he claimed: “We know there is a decision that needs to be made.
“We spoke about the pressure the manager is under and the questions he got before the game, it’s always difficult when you are preparing for a cup final. I always think of football, you have to reflect and enjoy the game today. You see the staff, the players and the supporters, just cross that bridge when you come to it.
“The manager has done his job today. He’s been heavily criticised because of their league form. We gave him plaudits last year when they finished third in the league and won the league cup.
“This year, real problems in Europe and they have had their injuries. Beating Man City in the cup final is always an extra bonus. Fingers crossed that they support the manager, but let’s see how the next few days go.”
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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.
