Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag was let down by four players in Man City FA Cup final defeat
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag saw his side beaten by Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley.
Erik ten Hag previews FA Cup final
Manchester United lost 2-1 to Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final. Ilkay Gundogan netted a brace for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Bruno Fernandes’ penalty not enough during the match at Wembley. Four players let Erik ten Hag down - and Express Sport now looks at those who weren’t good enough during the showdown.
David De Gea
Let’s start with the obvious.
David De Gea has been a great servant to United but the 32-year-old was dire against Manchester City as his side slumped to defeat.
The Spain international didn’t dive for Gundogan’s opener, while he also allowed the midfielder’s tame shot to trickle in for City’s second.
De Gea’s distribution was borderline awful, too, inviting pressure from Guardiola’s side each time he kicked the ball.
It’s no wonder United are looking at upgrades, with Porto star Diogo Costa one player under consideration.
Man Utd takeover: Garnacho could be set for awkward reunion after Sheikh Jassim approval
Jadon Sancho
United expected big things when they signed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021.
But, after two years at the club, the England international has failed to live up to expectations.
Sancho was flat against City, posing little to no threat during his time on the field.
That was in stark contrast to Alejandro Garnacho who, upon coming on in the second half, looked a dangerman for the Red Devils.
Sancho will probably be given one last year to come good - but the feeling right now is that the 23-year-old is £73million down the drain.
Don't miss...
All 10 Man Utd transfer targets after Sheikh Jassim approves Glazers plan [TRANSFER NEWS]
Carrington construction at Man Utd explained after Sheikh Jassim theories [EXCLUSIVE]
Ratcliffe ‘challenging issue’ raised to have Sheikh Jassim big Man Utd boost [LATEST]
Christian Eriksen
Make no mistake about it, Christian Eriksen has been a good player for United since moving to the club.
Against City, however, the Denmark international’s lack of physicality was exposed.
Eriksen was soft in too many tackles and was outran and outfought by a City midfield that is arguably the best in world football.
The Denmark international deserves plaudits for his performances this season.
But United do need an upgrade on Eriksen, amid interest in the likes of Mason Mount and Frenkie de Jong.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
Fred
For years, United have seen Fred blow hot and cold.
He was destined to start against City, with the Brazil international’s dynamism viewed as key to preventing Guardiola’s side from running riot.
But this was Fred at his inconsistent worst.
The Samba star kept conceding fouls throughout the game, with City scoring as a result of his lack of discipline.
There’s been talk of Fred leaving United for Fulham and a parting of ways would suit all parties involved.
Ten Hag’s verdict
Speaking after United lost to City, Ten Hag vowed to do everything in his power to improve his side.
“I think it’s not Manchester City now [who are the ones to beat], there are seven, eight competitors in the Premier League,” he said.
“We have to analyse the season and what we have to do better, and then from July go again.
“[Our 2022/23 success] creates expectations, but we have to do better and we have to make progress during the summer.
“That means we have to demand much more from the players if we want to compete like we did today and to not only compete but also win.”