‘I hope he stays!’ – First Man Utd star comes out to give Erik ten Hag full backing after FA Cup final triumph
JONNY EVANS became the first Manchester United player to declare they want Erik ten Hag to stay.
Ten Hag, who looks set to be sacked, led his team to a brilliant display to deny Premier League champions Man City a double, double as they won 2-1 at Wembley.
The Red Devils lost Casemiro from the subs bench due to an injury in the warm-up before the Dutchman broke his silence regarding his imminent sacking.
But they defied all that pre-match furore to take the lead on half hour when Alejandro Garnacho, 19, pounced on a defensive mix-up between Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol.
Things got even better before the break as United doubled their lead courtesy of a fine finish from Kobbie Mainoo after a superb assist from Bruno Fernandes.
Jeremy Doku set-up a nervy finish as he pulled one back in the final stages but – after some ‘s***housery’ from Scott McTominay – but the Red Devils held firm to secure the trophy.
Ten Hag embraced both of his teenage goalscorers like a “proud father” after the final whistle.
Northern Ireland defender Evans, 36, spent nearly a decade in United’s team, mostly under Sir Alex Ferguson, in his first spell at the club before leaving in 2015 for West Brom.
However, he made a shock return by penning a new short-term deal at the Theatre of Dreams last summer.
That only came about after joining the squad in training to maintain his fitness when he found himself released by Leicester City.
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Evans has revealed that his miraculous return can be traced back to a chance phone call with former teammate Darren Fletcher, who is now the Red Devils’ technical director.
He has gone on to play 30 times for United in all competitions this term – with his final one coming as sub late on to help his team get over the line.
And after securing the second FA Cup winners’ medal of his career, he made no secret of the fact that he wants the Dutchman to remain in charge.
He was first asked if the victory could be a significant start to something under Ten Hag, to which he said: “I hope so.
“He’s been amazing for me this season, bringing me back in.
“I’ve only got good things to say about him and over the last month I think he’s showing incredible tactical flexibility.”
When asked directly if he wants Ten Hag to stay, Evans said: “He’s been amazing for me and I can only thank him for that and I have a good relationship with him.
“So I hope he stays.”
Following the triumph, Ten Hag appeared to wave goodbye to United fans with the trophy in hand but then claimed that despite the speculation he was still planning for next season.
He then did the media rounds pitchside, where he had an awkward exchange with BBC’s Gary Lineker when quizzed directly on his future.
Prior to kick off, United legend Roy Keane was one of those to say that the pressure and questions about Ten Hag staying at United were justified.
He, along with other United legends, have also not held back in their criticism of the coach and his players this term.
But when it came to Ten Hag, who won the Carabao Cup in his first season in charge, speaking with ITV, he could not resist taking a sly dig at Keane, who was working as a pundit at Wembley.
Keane said to him: “You must be proud of them, we’ve always questioned players about their quality at Man United, but character and leadership.
Erik ten Hag's Man Utd record
Here is a look at Erik ten Hag's record in charge of Manchester United.
Games: 114
Wins: 68
Draws: 15
Losses: 31
Goals scored: 207
Goals conceded: 156
Points per game: 1.92
Honours: EFL Cup x1 (2023), FA Cup x1 (2024)
“They showed character today – which I had questioned, and a lot of people have…you shouldn’t listen to them pundits anyway! Take no notice of the pundits.”
Ten Hag replied: “But you told me!”
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to confirm that Ten Hag would stay afterwards.
United chief Ratcliffe was present in the stands and was then spotted walking through the media mixed zone after the match.
As Ratcliffe walked through with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, a reporter asked: “Is Erik staying?”
Ratcliffe turned to acknowledge the media member but did not answer the question.
He then turned his head away and continued to walk before heading out the room through a door.