Sir Alex Ferguson gives one-word reaction to Man Utd’s stunning FA Cup final win against fierce rivals City
SIR ALEX FERGUSON delivered a brilliant one-word reaction to Manchester United’s stunning FA Cup final win.
The Red Devils produced a superb performance to shock rivals Manchester City at Wembley.
That secured Erik ten Hag his second trophy in two seasons in charge at Old Trafford – in what may well prove to be his final game as boss.
And the club’s greatest gaffer gave the perfect summary behind the scenes afterwards.
After shaking hands with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, Sir Alex walked past a group of journalists waiting in the Wembley mixed zone in his United suit and tie.
Asked for his verdict, Ferguson simply said: “Fantastic.”
The FA Cup success was just the fifth piece of silverware for the Red Devils since Fergie retired in 2013.
Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup in 2016 while Jose Mourinho won the League Cup and Europa League the following year before Ten Hag ended the six-year wait for a trophy with the League Cup last season.
And the defiant Dutchman was in a bullish mood after shocking Pep Guardiola’s winning machine – denying City the ‘double Double’.
He said in his press conference when quizzed on his future again: “Two trophies in two seasons and three finals. That’s not bad.
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“If they don’t want me any more I go somewhere else to win trophies. That is what I do.
“I am here to win and I want to build a team. My whole managerial career I have won games and trophies.
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“When you see the last decade, there were not so many finals and trophies for this club.”
Ratcliffe, though, refused to back the manager despite the win.
A reporter asked the billionaire: “Is Erik staying?”
But the Ineos chief simply ignored the question and refused to answer.
SunSport understands Ten Hag went into the FA Cup final expecting to be sacked, regardless of the result.
But the magnificent performance on the field and scenes after full-time at Wembley may have convinced Ratcliffe to stick with the manager.
Alejandro Garnacho took full advantage of a defensive mix-up to tap into an empty net before Kobbie Mainoo rounded off a superb, slick attacking move for 2-0.
Jeremy Doku ensured it was a nervy seven minutes of injury time – but when Andy Madley blew the full-time whistle, Lisandro Martinez hoisted the boss in the air on the touchline.
The players then urged Ten Hag to have his moment in the spotlight by lifting the famous trophy towards the fans – before the wild celebrations continued inside the dressing room.
Then Jonny Evans became the first United player to publicly declare they wanted the boss to stay.
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.”
Ten Hag's five worst defeats
ERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.
5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023
The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.
4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023
It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.
3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022
Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.
2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024
The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.
1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023
Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.