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

According to manager Erik ten Hag, regardless of the result, today's FA Cup match doesn't reveal any difference in skill level between Man Utd and Man City.

"This was a good test. I think Man City did very well, played beautiful football and they deserve praise. But I'm not too concerned about them. I just look at my own team, to know where we stand and to improve – something I think Man Utd did last season," Ten Hag said on June 2nd at a press conference before the FA Cup final.

Manchester United had a disappointing start to the season, but gradually achieved their goals – finishing in the top three to return to the Champions League, and 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 upgrade it to something very good," he added.

Ten Hag applauds to thank Manchester United fans at Old Trafford after their 2-1 victory over Fulham in the final Premier League match of the season on May 28. Photo: AFP — Ten Hag applauds to thank Manchester United fans at Old Trafford after their 2-1 victory over Fulham in the final Premier League match of the season on May 28. Photo: *AFP*

According to Ten Hag, based on the FA Cup match result, he and the management will conduct a more comprehensive analysis and assessment to draw conclusions and develop a suitable plan for the 2023 summer transfer window. However, the Dutch coach emphasized that the entire team will "start from scratch" before the 2023-2024 season.

Manchester United is the only English club to have won all three major titles simultaneously – the Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup – in the 1998-1999 season. Nearly 25 years later, Manchester City truly has the opportunity to replicate the feat of their city rivals. After winning their third consecutive Premier League title, they will face Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley today and Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul, Türkiye on June 10th.

However, Ten Hag stressed that he wasn't concerned about his rivals' treble chances. "We want to win to win the Cup, not to stop Man City," he said. "What's important is that Man Utd win and win more titles. And we have a great opportunity."

When asked if today's final at Wembley was the biggest game of his managerial career, Ten Hag replied: "It's certainly an important game, but I don't want to judge which one is the biggest. We have a great opportunity against a great opponent, and we're all ready to take on the challenge."

The 53-year-old manager said Antony "has a very slim chance of playing" due to an injury sustained in the 4-1 win against Chelsea in the Premier League on May 25, while Anthony Martial is definitely out with a hamstring injury. Ten Hag also declined to comment on the future of Wout Weghorst, his compatriot striker whose loan spell expires at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Casemiro believes Man Utd are heading in the right direction and have grasped the mentality and playing style required by Ten Hag. The Brazilian midfielder said scoring against Man City in the FA Cup final would be a "special moment," but stressed that collective victory is the more important goal.

Hong Duy

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