Gary Lineker leaves Erik ten Hag looking FURIOUS – as he puts Man United boss on the spot about his future in awkward FA Cup final interview
Gary Lineker’s awkward post-match interview with Erik ten Hag appeared to infuriate the Manchester United manager after his side’s FA Cup final victory.
Reports emerged on Friday that Ten Hag was on the verge of dismissal The guard stating that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his leadership group will ‘part ways with the Dutchman even if his side win the FA Cup.’
United would go on to record a hard-fought 2-1 win against Manchester City at Wembley, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo both scoring in the first half to leave Pep Guardiola’s champions stunned.
Ten Hag later joined Lineker, Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards to discuss the match in the BBC’s coverage of the final. Lineker pressed him on the rumor before ending the interview with a smile and saying, “We hope to see you next season!”
The Dutchman appeared unimpressed by the Match of the Day presenter’s comment, with Lineker also briefing him on his future at the club.
Gary Lineker appeared to infuriate Erik ten Hag in an awkward exchange after the FA Cup final
Lineker told Ten Hag ‘we hope to see you next year’, with the United boss less than impressed
The former England striker said: âI can feel your frustration, and your frustration could be that this could potentially be your last game. Do you know?’
“I don’t know,” Ten Hag replied. âAll I do is prepare my team and develop my team. Helping my team and individual players progress.
‘Because this is a project for me. When I walked in I can say it was a mess. Now we are better. We are still far from where we want to be.’
BBC pundit Alan Shearer was also criticized for his role in the on-pitch interview, with the Newcastle legend seemingly questioning the work Ten Hag has done this season.
He said: âYou had a team today that showed great attitude, showed great ability, that won every tackle.
âThat hasn’t always been the case this season, has it? So you can understand why we sometimes criticize you.
“If you had done that every week you wouldn’t have finished eighth… today was incredible.”
Ten Hag replied: ‘No, but we didn’t have the players. But you’re right, and we saw the same things. There certainly wasn’t always good football, but we constantly had to make compromises.
‘I’ve been here two years now and we probably had the full team on board maybe three or four times. Also today a number of big players such as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro were not on board.’
Despite a turbulent start to life at Man United, Ten Hag has now achieved two major honors in his two seasons at the club.
With their victory today, Man United will also secure a place in the Europa League next season.
âFootball is about winning trophies,â the Dutchman added. “I want to play the best football, dynamic and attacking football, but ultimately you have to win matches and prizes,” said Ten Hag.
‘That is the mentality we have introduced. This was our only chance and we took it. I am very proud of the players and staff.’
Questions are piling up over Erik ten Hag’s future as Man United boss, with Lineker (left) testing the Dutchman about his future at the club in a tough interview.
BBC pundit Alan Shearer was also criticized for his role in the on-pitch interview
Reports emerged on Friday that United would sack Ten Hag (right) even if he won the FA Cup
Despite their indifferent season, United defeated rivals City 2â1 in the final to win the trophy
United had come into the match against City as second favorites but left their rivals stunned in the first half.
Garnacho took advantage of a defensive error between Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol to put the Red Devils at 1-0 after 30 minutes.
A moment of magic from Fernandes saw him pick out Mainoo on the left side of the penalty area, with the 19-year-old star curling the ball into the back of the net.
City came back to attack United in the second half, with Jeremy Doku finding the back of the net in the 87th minute. But it was too little too late for the Premier League champions.
“All compliments for the team,” said Ten Hag. ‘We played very well for our identity. Very strong. You have seen how we can play when we have the players on board. Some were not even match fit, but the performance was very good.’
Ten Hag is on the verge of dismissal, but has now won two major trophies with United
Garnacho put the Red Devils 1-0 after 30 minutes and took advantage of a defensive mix-up
Mainoo grabbed the second shortly afterwards, thanks to a pass from Bruno Fernandes
Ten Hag was also asked whether the criticism of United during the season had been too much. United have had a torrid season, finishing eighth in the Premier League – their lowest finish in the league since the 1989-90 season.
“I think so,” said Ten Hag. ‘The team. Me, too. It wasn’t right. But we didn’t have the players.
âWe’ve seen the same things, not always good football – certainly not – but we had to make constant compromises and then you can’t play the football you want to play.
‘I’ve had the full team available maybe three or four times in two years. Even today we missed big players like Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro.’