Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag did not get dragged into talk about his future in during his final pre-match press conference of the season.
The Dutchman spoke to the media ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday and insisted on talking about the game at hand rather than what awaits him following the clash at Wembley.
United have been below par this season, finishing eighth in the Premier League.
It means the only way they can qualify for Europe is by beating their city rivals on the biggest stage.
Pep Guardiola’s men are looking to complete a domestic double after winning the league title on the final day.
When asked about his future, Ten Hag said: “I have nothing to say, I just focus on the job I have to do and that is win the game on Saturday and then we are in the project and keep going in the project.
🚨 Erik has ruled @HarryMaguire93 out of Saturday’s #FACupFinal.
The boss also provided fitness updates on several other Reds ⤵️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2024
“I came here to win trophies. Saturday I have the opportunity to achieve this and we earned this opportunity as a team.
“We have to go for it. After every season you review it and see where you are in the project and what things may need to change.
“We spoke lately about it. There are players coming up, players developing, values going up. We have a big opportunity on Saturday to win a trophy.”
Manchester United’s motivation
The match is a repeat of last season’s final where United lost 2-1 thanks to a brace from Ilkay Gundogan.
If they are to have any chance of triumphing 12 months later, Ten Hag will need his stars fit and ready from the very first second.
One player who has been far away from his usual standards is Marcus Rashford.
Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford will use the disappointment from being left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad to fuel him 🔥#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/nsrYlOI6Ps
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 23, 2024
The England international has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 and released a statement on social media wishing the manager and his team-mates the best in Germany.
Ten Hag was asked about his No.10 in the press conference and admitted Rashford is using the disappointment as motivation to get back to his best.
He added: “That is your career – ups and downs.
“A down can give you fuel and that’s what I see in training. He is highly motivated.
“Speak with your feet, highly intelligent, he has had a big career, I’m sure he will get over this and get more goals.
“The FA Cup final, it’s a big event and we are there.
“Even in a season that is not in our way, we are there. We know we have an opportunity.
“It won’t be easy but we must go for it. We have to believe it. We know often against good opposition we play our best football and that must be the same on Saturday.”
