Manchester United triumphs over Man City 2-1 in FA Cup final, secures spot in Europa League

In a stunning upset, Manchester United emerged victorious over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, with Erik ten Hag leading his team to a 2-1 win. Despite facing the possibility of being sacked regardless of the outcome, Ten Hag’s tactical brilliance on the field may have given United’s hierarchy reason to reconsider.

City, the hot favorite to secure a second successive Premier League and FA Cup double, was left stunned as United took control early on with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Although City managed to pull one back with Jeremy Doku’s late strike, it was too little, too late.

For Ten Hag, the win marked the end of a turbulent season on a high note. If his two-year reign at United does come to an end, it would draw comparisons to Louis van Gaal’s departure after the 2016 FA Cup final victory. However, Ten Hag will be hoping for a more favorable comparison to Alex Ferguson, whose FA Cup triumph in 1990 kick-started a successful era at United.

The victory not only ended United’s six-year trophy drought but also secured their place in the Europa League next season. City, on the other hand, saw their double bid fall flat in their first domestic defeat in over 170 days.

As the final seconds ticked away, Ten Hag nervously awaited the outcome, unsure if the win would earn him a reprieve or serve as his final act at Old Trafford. The unexpected victory has certainly left United fans and management with plenty to ponder as they look towards the future.