Erik ten Hag admits Man United are ‘broken’ after FA Cup final defeat

Manchester United’s season is over and it’s time for reflection on what has been a highly progressive and relatively successful season considering where United were 12 months ago.

Ten Hag has steadied the ship and readied the club for what could be a famous period of the club’s history but the latest game brought immense disappointment.

United had the chance to win their second trophy this season at Wembley when they faced Manchester City in the first all-Manchester FA Cup final but a narrow defeat ensured Pep Guardiola’s men lifted the cup.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag admitted that the players did not take the defeat lightly, claiming they are ‘broken’ after a heartbreaking final loss.

“We are broken, disappointed of course, but I said I am proud of my team. We did very well, we conceded two soft goals but we were in the game. There was a great spirit and very good organisation,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the BBC.

“They were tough goals, they were so soft and avoidable. When you play against City and you don’t concede almost nothing from open play it is a big credit for the team but if you concede goals like this it is disappointing.

“This team showed resilience, character and personality. We know we have a way to go but this will make us better. It was a test for us, we didn’t succeed but we can take a lot of positives into next season.”

After over 65 gruelling games, United will now go on a three-week break before the squad is brought back together in time for the start of pre-season.

Ten Hag is expected to welcome Lisandro Martinez and Antony back to the squad by then and possibly new arrivals. Winter loans Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer are all expected to leave the club.

There are a number of contract situations Ten Hag will want resolved by then as well, with Marcus Rashford among the players with expiring contracts at the end of next season.

Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw have both signed new long-term contracts this season and David de Gea and Marcus Rashford could follow the pair.

More Stories Erik ten Hag FA Cup Manchester City Manchester United Premier League Wembley