Ten Hag: 'FA Cup final is just a good test'

According to coach Erik ten Hag, regardless of the result, today's FA Cup match does not show the difference in level between Man Utd and Man City.

"It's a good test. I think Man City did very well, played good football and they deserve credit. But I'm not too concerned about them. I just look at my team, to see where we are and improve - which I think Man Utd did last season," Ten Hag said on June 2 at a press conference ahead of the FA Cup final.

Man Utd started last season poorly, but gradually achieved their goals - finishing in the top 3 to return to the Champions League, ending their trophy drought with the League Cup in February. "We had a good season, and with the FA Cup final, we have the opportunity to improve it to very good," he added.

Ten Hag applauds Man Utd fans at Old Trafford after beating Fulham 2-1 in the final Premier League match on May 28. Photo: AFP

According to Ten Hag, based on the results of the FA Cup match, he and the board of directors will analyze and conduct a more comprehensive assessment to draw conclusions, as well as a suitable plan for the 2023 summer transfer window. But the Dutch coach emphasized that the whole team will "start from zero" before the 2023-2024 season.

Man Utd are the only English club to have won the three major titles of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in the 1998-1999 season. After nearly 25 years, Man City are really facing the opportunity to repeat the miracle of their rivals in the same city of Manchester. After winning the Premier League for the third consecutive time, they will meet Man Utd in the FA Cup final at Wembley today and Inter in the Champions League final in Istanbul, Türkiye on June 10.

However, Ten Hag stressed that he was not concerned about his opponents' chances of winning the treble. "We want to win the Cup, not to stop Man City," he said. "The important thing is that Man Utd win and win more titles. And we have a great chance."

Asked if today's Wembley final was the biggest match of his coaching career, Ten Hag replied: "It's definitely an important match, but I don't want to judge which is the biggest match. We have a great opportunity against a great opponent, and everyone is ready to accept the challenge."

The 53-year-old coach said Antony had a "very small chance" of playing because of an injury sustained in the 4-1 Premier League win over Chelsea on May 25, while Anthony Martial was definitely absent due to a hamstring injury. Ten Hag also refused to comment on the future of Wout Weghorst - his fellow striker whose loan deal expires at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Casemiro believes Man Utd are on the right track and have mastered the mentality and style of play required by Ten Hag. The Brazilian midfielder said tearing through Man City in the FA Cup final would be a “special moment”, but stressed that winning as a team is the more important goal.

Hong Duy

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