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Erik ten Hag admitted that Manchester United have not had an ‘easy’ season but vowed his players will ‘give everything’ to win the FA Cup in an address to fans after their 3-2 win at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils kept alive their hopes of securing European football next season via the league with victory over Newcastle which moved them level on points with the Magpies in seventh.
Regardless of their league position, United will earn the right to participate in games on the continent with a win in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
And Ten Hag promised that his players will do all they can to ensure their claim their second piece of silverware under his management, after thanking fans for their unwavering support.
‘On behalf of players staff I would like to thank you all for your brilliant support this season.’ He said. ‘As you know it wasn’t an easy season but one thing remained constant and that was the backing of you for the team.
‘But this season is not over yet, we go to Brighton and then we go to Wembley and I promise you those players will give everything to win that cup and bring it to Old Trafford and we are sure you will be there supporting us, We thank you, the best supporters in the world.
Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, the Dutchman rejected claims that United’s final home game of the season will be his Old Trafford farewell.
Earlier, Brentford boss Thomas Frank joined the cast of names linked with replacing the former Ajax manager in the United hotseat. United’s minority owners Ineos are known to admire Frank, and believe he is the kind of coach who would be content to focus on team affairs and leave the club’s new leadership group to sign players.
Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi are other names in the frame, but the absence of a standout candidate could yet work in Ten Hag’s favour, with Ineos yet to make a decision over his future.
Ten Hag’s insistence that he maintains the support of fans would not have been aided by the audible boos that could be heard in the ground during his speech. However, Mail Sport understands dissent came from Newcastle supporters.
The Magpies saw their own European aspirations scuppered thanks to goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. Eddie Howe’s side remained competitive throughout the game , first grabbing an equaliser through Anthony Gordon after Mainoo’s opener.
Then, setting up a tense ending when Lewis Hall scored his second Old Trafford goal of the season in the 92nd minutes.
