"Tactical masterclass by Ten Hag? No, I saw the game": 3-time Ballon d'Or winner says Manchester United 'didn’t play good' in FA Cup final win
Former Ajax legend Marcel van Basten has stated that Manchester United didn't play well in their 2-1 FA Cup win against Manchester City on May 25, Saturday. The 3-time Ballon d'Or winner, however, claimed that it was a great achievement for gaffer Erik ten Hag to defeat the Cityzens in a domestic final.
The Red Devils finished their otherwise underwhelming season with silverware. The red side of Manchester finished eighth, their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League. However, they redeemed themselves after defeating the defending champions in the final of the FA Cup.
Alejandro Garnacho (30') and Kobbie Mainoo (39') scored for Manchester United while Jeremy Doku (87') scored the consolation goal for Pep Guardiola's men.
Bastel, however, feels that Ten Hag's men were just lucky to walk away with a crucial win. Here's what he said (via AFC Ajax):
"Tactical masterclass by Erik ten Hag vs Manchester City? No. I saw the game. Manchester United didn't play good, very defensive and on the counter. But it was a great achievement that he managed to beat Manchester City."
Following their win, The Red Devils have qualified for the Europa League, a spot which was earlier held by Chelsea. The Blues will now play in the Europa Conference League while Newcastle United who finished seventh in the league, won't play European football next season.
Manchester United may play in the Europa League after all despite UEFA regulations
A report by 'L'Equipe' claimed that Ten Hag's men could be forced to give away their Europa League spot. This is because of INEOS's ownership of Manchester United and French club Nice.
Nice qualified for the Europa League after finishing fifth in Ligue 1. However, UEFA regulations state clubs that are owned by the same owners will not be allowed to compete in the same UEFA competitions.
INEOS has claimed that they have been in direct touch with UEFA and both Nice and Manchester United will be able to play in the Europa League after all.
Here's what they said in a statement (via Manchester Evening News):
"We are aware of the position of the two clubs and we are in direct dialogue with UEFA. We are convinced that we have a solution for next season in Europe."
It remains to be seen if The Red Devils get to compete in the Europa League after all despite winning the FA Cup.