SIR ALEX FERGUSON has delivered a brilliant one-word reaction to Manchester United’s stunning FA Cup final victory.
The Red Devils performed superbly to shock rivals Manchester City at Wembley.
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It secured Erik ten Hag his second trophy in two seasons in charge at Old Trafford – in what could well be his last game as manager.
And the club’s greatest wizard then gave the perfect behind-the-scenes summary.
After shaking hands with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, Sir Alex walked past a group of journalists waiting in Wembley’s mixed zone in United suits and ties.
Asked about his verdict, Ferguson said simply: “Fantastic.”
FA Cup success was only the Red Devils’ fifth success since Fergie retired in 2013.
Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup in 2016, while José Mourinho won the League Cup and Europa League the following year, before Ten Hag ended his six-year wait for a trophy with the League Cup last season.
And the Dutch challenger was upbeat after shocking Pep Guardiola’s winning machine – denying City a ‘double double’.
He said in his press conference when asked about his future again: “Two trophies in two seasons and three finals. That’s not bad.
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“If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else to win trophies.
“I’m here to win and I want to build a team. Throughout my managerial career I won games and trophies.
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“When you look at the last decade, there haven’t been as many finals and trophies for this club.”
Ratcliffe, however, refused to support the coach despite the victory.
A reporter asked the billionaire: “Is Erik going to stay?”
But the Ineos boss simply ignored the question and refused to answer.
SunSport understands Ten Hag went into the FA Cup final expecting to be sacked, regardless of the result.
But the magnificent performance on the pitch and the scenes after the game at Wembley may have convinced Ratcliffe to stick with the manager.
Alejandro Garnacho made the most of a defensive mix-up to find the empty net, before Kobbie Mainoo completed an excellent and skilful attacking move to make it 2-0.
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Jeremy Doku ensured it was a nervy seven minutes of stoppage time – but when Andy Madley blew the whistle at full time, Lisandro Martinez lifted the boss into the air on the touchline.
The players then asked Ten Hag to have his moment in the spotlight as he lifted the famous trophy to the fans – before the wild celebrations continued inside the dressing room.
Then Jonny Evans became the first United player to publicly declare that he wanted the manager to stay.
He was first asked if the victory could be a significant start to something under Lt Hag, to which he said: “I hope so.
“He’s been incredible for me this season, bringing me back.
“I only have good things to say about him and over the last month I think he has shown incredible tactical flexibility.”
When asked directly if he wants Ten Hag to stay, Evans said: “He’s been incredible to me and I can only thank him for that and I have a good relationship with him.
“So I hope he stays.”
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Ten Hag’s five worst defeats
ERIK TEN HAG suffered heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.
5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023
The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils eliminated from the Champions League.
4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023
It was the first time the Cherries had won at Old Trafford with the players being booed.
3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022
Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his team were dismantled by the Bees.
2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024
The heavy defeat to the Eagles left the Dutchman increasingly close to the sack.
1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023
Man Utd were left embarrassed at the hands of their rivals when they collapsed at Anfield, as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
