Ten Hag fires up United faithful ahead of City showdown at Wembley

Simon Peach

Press Association

Erik ten Hag addressed the Old Trafford faithful at full-time

Erik ten Hag told the raucous Old Trafford faithful that Manchester United have a “really good chance” of winning the FA Cup and ending Manchester City’s Treble charge.

Having wrapped up Champions League qualification by beating Chelsea last Thursday, the Red Devils sealed third in the Premier League on the final day of the campaign.

United bounced back from Kenny Tete’s early header as David De Gea saved Aleksandar Mitrovic’s penalty before Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes sealed a 2-1 comeback win against Fulham.

The players were given a fantastic reception at full-time and, after presenting De Gea with the Golden Glove trophy, boss Ten Hag made an impassioned speech to fans.

He said: “First of all, I want to say thank you to our players. I think they played a brilliant season.

“Secondly, I want to thank you all. We fought really strong during the season at Old Trafford and away.

“I want to thank you for the season and your contribution backing us, for the support — it was great, so thank you.

“But there is still one game to go and I am sure that these players will give everything to beat Manchester City next week.

“If you have our back, I’m sure we have a really good chance to take the cup back to Old Trafford.”

Those comments were met by a huge roar that will increase further still if Ten Hag’s men can beat City at Wembley next Saturday and add the FA Cup to February’s Carabao Cup success.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag added: “You have always a chance in football.

“The history shows we beat them in January but I think Man United in the last couple of years beat City many times.

“So these players know when they play at their levels that they can compete.

“It’s obvious we play against probably — at this moment — the best team. But still there is a chance and we have to go for the chance and we have to give everything.

“We can’t be after the game finding excuses for ourselves. I’m sure we will play a good game on Saturday.”