Erik ten Hag issues passionate rallying cry in on-pitch speech to Man United fans as he battles to convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS he is the right man for the job

Erik ten Hag admitted Manchester United have not had an ‘easy’ season but vowed his players will ‘give everything’ to win the FA Cup in a speech to fans after their 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils kept their hopes alive of securing European football through the competition next season with a win over Newcastle to move level on points with the Magpies in seventh place.

Regardless of their position in the league, United earn the right to participate in matches on the continent with victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.

And Ten Hag vowed his players will do everything they can to secure their second piece of silverware under his management, after thanking fans for their continued support.

‘On behalf of the playing staff, I would like to thank you all for your wonderful support this season.’ He said. ‘As you know, it was not an easy season, but one thing remained constant and that was your support for the team.

The Dutchman promised his players would give everything to ensure they win the FA Cup

‘But this season is not over yet, we go to Brighton and then we go to Wembley and I promise you those players will give everything to win that cup and take it to Old Trafford and we are sure you will are there to support us. thank you, the best supporters in the world.’

Ahead of Tuesday’s match, the Dutchman dismissed claims that United’s final home game of the season would be his farewell at Old Trafford.

Earlier, Brentford boss Thomas Frank joined the cast of names linked to his replacement in the United hotseat. It is known that the club’s minority owners, Ineos, admire Frank and believe him to be the kind of coach who could happily concentrate on team matters and leave the club’s new leadership group to sign players.

Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi are other bosses in the frame, but the absence of a high-profile candidate could still work in Ten Hag’s favor as Ineos has yet to make a decision on his future.

Ten Hag’s insistence that he retains the support of the fans would not have been helped by the audible boos that could be heard in the ground during his speech. However, Mail Sport understands that dissenting views came from Newcastle supporters.

The Magpies saw their own European aspirations shattered thanks to goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. Eddie Howe’s side remained competitive throughout the match, first grabbing an equalizer through Anthony Gordon after Mainoo’s opener.

Before creating a thrilling finish when Lewis Hall scored his second Old Trafford goal of the season in the 92nd minute.

The Magpies travel to West London to take on Brentford in their final match of the season, while United travel to Brighton to take on De Zerbi’s men.

Their chances of ending the season with a trophy were boosted by the returns of Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford, both coming on as late substitutes after missing time through injury.

Captain Bruno Fernandes also returns to the fray and starts the encounter before putting in an excellent performance that proved crucial in securing the three points.

The Red Devils drew level with Newcastle in seventh place with a 3-2 win on Tuesday evening

Ten Hag could welcome Lisandro Martinez (right) and Marcus Rashford, who was out with an injury

Although Ten Hag is confident he will remain in post next season, it is expected that several first-team players will say goodbye to the Theater of Dreams this summer.

Raphael Varane became the first United player to confirm his departure after the club failed to reach an agreement with the French defender to renegotiate his £340,000-a-week contract.

Other big earners will follow if Ineos reduces the wage bill, including Anthony Martial, Casemiro and Jadon Sancho. The club will also listen to offers for Marcus Rashford and Antony.