Erik ten Hag said he will “go somewhere else to win trophies, because that is what I do” if Manchester United decide to part ways with the manager.
Ten Hag, 54, was speaking after his side’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City — the build-up to which was dominated by uncertainty around his future. United have sounded out potential candidates should they part company with Ten Hag, but the Dutchman was bullish in his post-match analysis.
United’s manager said the FA Cup final victory will allow him “to enjoy the summer” after it concluded a difficult season in which the club finished eighth in the Premier League — their lowest top-flight finish in 34 years — and a Champions League group stage exit.
However, Ten Hag underlined his ability to deliver trophies — he has now won trophies in successive seasons at United following the 2022-23 Carabao Cup success, ending the club’s six-year trophy drought. Ten Hag also won six trophies during his time as Ajax head coach, including three Eredivisie league titles.
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“I don’t think about this,” Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference. “I am in a project and we are exactly where we want to be, we are constructing a team for the future. When I took over we were in a mess.
“The team is developing, the team is winning and the team plays to an identity but you need the players to be available and a a strong squad especially when you play in England and Europe. There is a lot of work to do but we have value in the squad, high potentials, the team is progressing and we are winning trophies.
“Two trophies in two years is not bad, three finals in two years is not bad. If they don’t want me, then I go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do.”
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Ten Hag highlighted how United had gone six years without a trophy before his arrival and his successes were an indicator that stability was important.
“When you see the last decade there were not so many finals and trophies for this club and not so many young talents coming through in high potential,” Ten Hag said.
“But also the middle group developed very well this season, such as Diogo Dalot, we strengthen the squad by our coaching and training. But also still we need transfer windows to bring better players in.
“We also players who are always available or often valuable because when the players are not robust enough, you cannot win trophies.”
(Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
