Football

Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United has been secured after a positive post-season review by club chiefs. The Dutchman, who is entering the final year of his contract, is set to extend his stay at Old Trafford.Ten Hag's first season at United was a mixed bag. While he led the team to a League Cup triumph and a third-place finish in the Premier League, they also suffered disappointing exits from the Champions League and FA Cup. However, a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final has boosted his reputation.Despite United's eighth-place finish in the league, their lowest since 1990, and their early Champions League exit, Ten Hag has impressed the club's hierarchy with his work ethic and commitment to developing the team.The 54-year-old has admitted that he inherited a "mess" when he arrived at United, but he believes that the team is now on the right track. "We are now better but by far not where we want to be," he said after the FA Cup final.Ten Hag's success in his first season has seen him linked with other top clubs, including Bayern Munich and Chelsea. However, he has repeatedly stated his commitment to United and is eager to continue the project he has started.The club's new co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, is believed to be a supporter of Ten Hag and is keen to keep him at the helm. Ratcliffe has reportedly held talks with Thomas Tuchel, but the former Chelsea boss has ruled himself out of the running.Other managers who have been linked with the United job include Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, and Gareth Southgate. However, Ten Hag's strong finish to the season has convinced the club that he is the right man to lead them forward.

Manchester United pulled off a stunning upset in the FA Cup final, defeating Manchester City 2-1 to claim their 13th title. The victory was a testament to the resilience and determination of a team that had endured a disappointing Premier League campaign.With speculation swirling about the future of manager Erik Ten Hag, United produced a performance that defied expectations. Teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored first-half goals to give United a commanding lead. City, who were bidding to become the first club to win the double in successive seasons, were left stunned.Despite a second-half siege from City, United held on for a famous victory. Jeremy Doku's late goal set up a nervy finale, but United's defense stood firm to secure the trophy.The victory was a major boost for Ten Hag, who had faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks. It also provided a glimmer of hope for United fans, who have endured a difficult season.Garnacho, who became the first Argentine to score in the Cup final since Ricky Villa for Tottenham Hotspur in 1981, said: "Incredible. Nobody believed in us. But we're a team, all together. We fought, the game of our lives."The build-up to the final had been dominated by talk of the chasm between the two Manchester clubs. City had won an unprecedented fourth successive English title, while United were suffering their worst Premier League campaign.However, on the day, United showed that they were not ready to be written off. They played with passion and determination, and they deserved their victory.The victory was a major boost for Ten Hag, who had faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks. It also provided a glimmer of hope for United fans, who have endured a difficult season.

Erik ten Hag's tactical brilliance led Manchester United to a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, potentially saving his job and sparking comparisons to legendary manager Alex Ferguson.Despite a turbulent season, Ten Hag's team executed a masterclass, neutralizing Pep Guardiola's City side with a deep defensive block and clinical counterattacks. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored first-half goals to put United in control.City's double bid was shattered as they struggled to break down United's resolute defense. Jeremy Doku's late strike provided a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late.Ten Hag's triumph echoes Ferguson's 1990 FA Cup win against Crystal Palace, which kick-started his remarkable reign. United shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, who has been linked with potential replacements, witnessed the Dutchman's triumph.Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League and crashing out of the Champions League, Ten Hag has now won two trophies in three cup final appearances. He believes injuries were the root of United's problems and points to his success in cup competitions as proof of his capabilities.United's victory also secures Europa League qualification, avoiding a season without European action. City, on the other hand, looked hungover after their Premier League title celebrations and failed to match their usual intensity.Ten Hag's tactical masterclass has given United fans hope for the future. His ability to motivate his team and outsmart Guardiola has earned him a stay of execution and potentially a longer tenure at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has emphasized the importance of winning the FA Cup to reward the unwavering support of the club's loyal fans. Despite a disappointing Premier League campaign that saw United finish eighth, their worst position since 1990, Ten Hag believes that lifting the FA Cup would provide some solace.United's hopes of European qualification now hinge on their performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City next weekend. A victory at Wembley would also have a significant impact on Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford, following a tumultuous season marked by injuries and poor results.The Dutchman acknowledged the unwavering support of United's fans throughout the difficult campaign, despite the team's struggles. "We have the best fans in the world," Ten Hag said. "They have been with us through thick and thin, and we owe it to them to give them a trophy."Ten Hag emphasized the need for improvement in the upcoming season, stating, "We have to perform better. We have to pay back our fans and give them something to cheer about."United's disappointing league campaign saw them suffer 14 defeats and finish with a negative goal difference. However, Ten Hag believes that the team has the potential to bounce back and achieve success."We have a lot of work to do, but I am confident that we can turn things around," Ten Hag said. "We have a talented squad, and we are determined to make our fans proud."

David Beckham, a legendary Manchester United player, has expressed his disappointment with the team's recent performances and urged the players to demonstrate their commitment to the club. Beckham, who was a key member of United's treble-winning team in 1999, believes that the players must take responsibility for their poor results."You'd hope that the manager doesn't have to do much," Beckham said. "I think that's the whole point of being a Manchester United player and playing in these big games - you should be motivated."United manager Erik ten Hag is facing immense pressure after the team's embarrassing 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Monday. The defeat left United languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, and Ten Hag's future at the club is in doubt.Beckham believes that the players must step up and prove their worth, especially in the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City. "When you're a professional footballer and you're doing the job you love and you're at the club you love, when you're playing in any game, whether it's a regular season game or whether it's an FA Cup final against your rivals, that should be enough motivation," he said."And, if it's not, then you're in the wrong team and you're playing the wrong sport. We went into every game, whether it was a youth cup game, a friendly game, off-season or a European Cup final, with the same mentality and the same drive."Beckham, who won six Premier League titles and one Champions League with United, admitted that he has been disappointed by the club's struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. "Obviously it's been a tough five, 10, 15 years at United and we all know that but it was never going to be easy when the boss left, (Roy) Keane left, Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) left, Gary (Neville) left," he said."All of these important players and personalities and characters all left United, it was always going to be a difficult time. We want the lads to feel - from this documentary - the inspiration of being this successful."

Manchester United's rollercoaster season took another dramatic turn as they overcame a stunning collapse to defeat Coventry City 4-2 on penalties in an FA Cup semi-final classic.Erik ten Hag's side cruised to a 3-0 lead at Wembley Stadium, with goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes. However, Coventry staged a remarkable comeback, with Ellis Simms, Callum O'Hare, and Haji Wright scoring to level the match at 3-3 in the 95th minute.The second half saw a complete reversal of fortunes. Coventry, who had struggled to create chances in the first half, suddenly found their rhythm. Simms pulled one back in the 71st minute, and O'Hare equalized in the 79th minute.As extra time approached, Coventry's momentum continued to grow. Victor Torp forced a sharp save from United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Wright converted a penalty in the dying seconds to send the match into extra time.In extra time, both teams had chances to win it. Fernandes rattled the crossbar, while Simms hit the underside of the crossbar. Coventry thought they had won it in the final seconds, but VAR ruled out Torp's goal for offside.The penalty shootout proved to be a tense affair. Casemiro's weak penalty was saved by Coventry goalkeeper Bradley Collins, but O'Hare and Ben Sheaf missed their spot-kicks. Rasmus Hojlund stepped up to take the decisive penalty and sent United through to the final.Manchester City await United in the final, after they defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the other semi-final. It will be a repeat of last year's final, which City won 1-0.

Manchester City's European reign may have come to an end, but their domestic dominance remains intact. Despite a disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, City secured their place in the FA Cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea.Bernardo Silva's late goal proved to be the difference at Wembley, as City showed resilience and character to bounce back from their midweek setback. The Portuguese playmaker's strike was particularly poignant, given his missed penalty in the shootout loss to Madrid."It's very happy after a very frustrating week for all of us," Silva said. "The good thing is in football at Man City, you play every three days. Every three days you have the chance to put things right and now we have a chance to win another trophy."City's victory keeps their hopes of a back-to-back domestic double alive. They are now just one win away from securing the FA Cup for the eighth time, while Pep Guardiola can extend his trophy haul to 16 since joining the club.However, Guardiola expressed his frustration over the decision to make City play on Saturday, just days after their Champions League commitments. "I don't understand how we survived today. It's unacceptable to play today," he said. "I just want to protect my players. It's unacceptable, it's common sense."Meanwhile, Arsenal have seized the initiative in the Premier League title race with a 2-0 win against Wolves. Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard scored late in each half to give the Gunners a one-point lead over City, who have a game in hand.Arsenal's victory was a timely response to their recent setbacks, including a defeat to Aston Villa and Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich. "It was a tough week for us," said Odegaard. "But we had to keep going."In the relegation battle, Burnley boosted their survival hopes with a 4-1 rout of Sheffield United. Vincent Kompany's team is now within three points of safety, while Sheffield United moved closer to relegation.

Mark Robins, the former Manchester United striker who played a pivotal role in the club's resurgence under Alex Ferguson, is now plotting to inflict misery on his old team as Coventry City manager in the FA Cup semi-final.Robins' goal against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the 1990 FA Cup proved to be a turning point in United's history. It helped save Ferguson's job and sparked a cascade of trophies under his leadership. Robins also scored the winner in the semi-final against Oldham, paving the way for United's first FA Cup triumph under Ferguson.Despite United's recent struggles, they remain firm favorites at Wembley against Coventry. However, Robins believes the pressure is on Erik ten Hag's side, who have endured a dismal second season in charge."People are talking in a derisory way about Manchester United," Robins said. "But they're still the biggest club in the world, with talented players and top international players."Coventry, meanwhile, have stuttered in recent weeks, losing three of their past four games. But Robins is confident his team can cause an upset."We know they are clearly favorites to win this game," Robins said. "But we will get opportunities against a United team who concede a lot of chances."Coventry are bidding to become the first second-tier club to reach the FA Cup final since Cardiff in 2008. Robins has done a remarkable job since returning for a second stint in 2017, taking the club from the fourth tier to the brink of the Premier League last season.Ten Hag is aware of the threat posed by Coventry."We know the manager, a former United player, striker, his long period there, he's doing a fantastic job there," Ten Hag said. "So, we know a lot about them.""Of course they are dangerous, they are in the semi-final. It's logical. Last season, they were that far away (a small margin) from being promoted to the Premier League. So they do a fantastic job over there."