‘I hope he stays’ – Evans believes under-fire Ten Hag is the right man for United

Jonny Evans says he hopes Erik ten Hag is given the chance to remain Manchester United manager after winning the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Reds beat Man City 2-1 at Wembley in a game most felt would be won comfortably by the reigning Premier League champions.

It didn’t go that way thanks to two first-half strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. However, City pulled one back in the 97th minute when Jeremy Doku took advantage of a howler from Andre Onana.

Reports in the build-up to the final suggested Ten Hag’s days were numbered before United even arrived at Wembley, with journalists confident he would be sacked regardless of the result in the final.

Evans, 36, made his feelings known after the match as he credited Ten Hag for bringing him back to the club and trusting him as an experienced professional to play 30 matches this season. The centre-back proved himself as a great club servant yet again and picked himself up an FA Cup-winners’ medal in the process.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Evans said: “I hope so (that Ten Hag stays). He’s been amazing for me this season, bringing me back in, showing a lot of belief in me and playing me as much as he has. I’ve only got good things to say about him and I think over the last month or so he’s shown incredible technical flexibility to be able to sit off counter attack, a style he doesn’t see himself coaching, but he’s done it and over the last month or so we’ve put in some much better performances.

“He’s been amazing for me and I can only thank him for that. I have a great relationship with him and I hope he stays. I came back in the summer and he put his trust me, which is all you want from your manager. I’ve had 30 games this season, so I’m happy.”

Evans’ contract will expire in the summer and it remains to be seen if he will be kept on.

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