da betcris： Erik ten Hag has defended his record as Manchester United manager as he edges closer to being sacked.
da dobrowin： Article continues below
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Dutchman defends Man Utd recordHad success bringing through Garnacho & MainooManager set to be sacked after FA Cup finalWHAT HAPPENED?
The Dutchman is on the brink of being sacked after presiding over the club's worst finish in the Premier League era and it is expected that the FA Cup final against Manchester City will be his final game in charge. But he feels he has done a good job in his two years at Old Trafford, especially when it comes to improving individual players.
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"This club is in a transition period and we have progressed many players to high levels. Some young players also came into the team and became internationals and will go to the Copa America and the Euros, which is very good," Ten Hag told a press conference. "We want to improve the squad, we want to create a team for the future, but in the meantime we want to win trophies. On Saturday, we have a big opportunity to win another trophy and a third final in two years, I would say, is not too bad."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ten Hag has handed first team debuts to a number of United's academy players, most recently 18-year-old forward Ethan Wheatley. But his biggest success stories are Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. He gave both players their debuts last season but they have really kicked on this campaign. Mainoo, who made his first Premier League start in November against Everton, has become a regular for United as well as being called into the England squad. Garnacho, meanwhile, is an Argentina international and has scored nine goals this season.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ten Hag admitted his side will be motivated by a desire for revenge for last year's defeat to City in the FA Cup final. It is also an opportunity to qualify for the Europa League, having missed out on continental football after finishing eighth in the Premier League. "We will be in a very different place if we win on Saturday because we will be in Europe and we will have another trophy. But still, three finals in two seasons is very good, I would say, because this club when I entered it was not in a good state, absolutely not," he said. "I think we improved a lot and even when you consider all the injuries we’ve had, it’s a horrible season for us."