Erik ten Hag will be leading Manchester United in their FA Cup final against Manchester City, hoping to avoid the same fate as the last manager to win the trophy, Louis van Gaal, who was sacked just two days later. Ten Hag, who has had a tumultuous season finishing eighth in the Premier League, would love to replicate the success of Van Gaal in bringing home the FA Cup. Van Gaal’s dismissal was largely attributed to his style of play and lackluster performance in the league, despite his FA Cup victory in 2016 against Crystal Palace.
Van Gaal, a Dutchman like ten Hag, was defiant in his final press conference after being sacked, pointing out his achievement of winning the FA Cup as a significant milestone for the club post-Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. However, the decision was made to let him go, and Jose Mourinho was brought in as his replacement shortly after. Ten Hag, on the other hand, is facing a challenging situation with his team’s poor league performance and potential sacking looming over him. His defiance and belief in his methods might not be enough to save his job, given the lack of viable replacements in the managerial market currently.
Erik ten Hag’s journey to the FA Cup final has been rocky, with Manchester United narrowly avoiding a nightmare loss in the semi-final against Coventry City. The dramatic 3-0 lead squandered by United, only to be saved by a penalty in the 90th minute leading to extra-time and a victory on penalties, has left many questioning ten Hag’s ability to bring success to the club. The upcoming final against Manchester City, where United are expected to be underdogs, could seal ten Hag’s fate as the pressure mounts for a positive outcome.
Despite the potential of an FA Cup victory, it’s uncertain if a one-off game can secure Erik ten Hag’s position at Manchester United, especially after his team’s disappointing league performance. The lack of credible managerial candidates available in the market currently might work in his favor, along with the struggles faced by other top clubs in finding suitable replacements. Ultimately, ten Hag’s fate will likely be decided by the club’s hierarchy and their long-term vision for the team, as they aim to find a balance between short-term success and sustainable progress under his leadership.
The possibility of Erik ten Hag following the same path as Louis van Gaal, walking away from Manchester in a blaze of glory after an FA Cup victory, seems uncertain given the challenges he’s facing. The pressure to deliver results, coupled with the scrutiny of his playing style and team’s performance, highlights the precarious position ten Hag is in as the FA Cup final approaches. Whether he can emulate Van Gaal’s success and avoid his fate remains to be seen, but the outcome of the final could have a significant impact on his future as Manchester United’s manager.
