Man Utd: Erik ten Hag Q&A – manager has ‘left behind’ review of his job

It was 25 May when Manchester United deservedly beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The victory was remarkable for many reasons, coming as it did on the back of reports United manager Erik ten Hag would be sacked, no matter what the outcome.

The Dutchman had endured a turbulent season at Old Trafford.

United had their worst performance in the Champions League group stage, finishing bottom to be knocked out of European competition.

After a poor start to the Premier League season with six defeats in their opening 10 matches, they finished eighth with a negative goal difference. It was their lowest top-flight finish since the 1989-90 season.

But they ended the campaign on a high, beating City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.

Just like compatriot and former United manager Louis van Gaal eight years before, Ten Hag went into the Wembley press room in bullish mood, warning new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe if United got rid of him, he would win trophies “somewhere else”.

Van Gaal was axed within 24 hours. Ten Hag had to wait 17 days to discover his fate. After an extensive review, which included speaking to alternative managers, both before and after that FA Cup triumph, United’s hierarchy flew to Ibiza to tell the 54-year-old they had concluded they had the right man all along.

They triggered a one-year extension clause in his contract to prove it.

For the first time since those seismic three weeks, Ten Hag has spoken to BBC Sport, in Los Angeles, on the club’s pre-season trip to the United States.