Sir Jim Ratcliffe ignores question on Erik ten Hag's future at Man Utd

Sir Jim Ratcliffe praised Manchester United for their upset victory over Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final - but ignored a journalist when asked about Erik ten Hag's future as manager.

Goals from teenage stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo helped the Red Devils to a 2-1 win at Wembley Stadium after a week that had been dominated by speculation over Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford.

Reports indicated United had decided to sack Ten Hag after the cup final regardless of the result, while the Dutchman himself gave a defiant response in the aftermath of the victory.

Speaking about the victory, Ratcliffe said: "It is a glorious feeling to win the FA Cup final at Wembley.

"Manchester United were clearly not the favourites to win today but they played with total commitment and skill and overcame one of the great teams in football. We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them."

However, when asked if Ten Hag would remain as manager next season, Ratcliffe turned his back and continued walking.

Ratcliffe is due to lead a post-season assessment of the club's performances this season next week alongside United officials Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean Claude-Blanc and Jason Wilcox.

Managerial successors have already been scouted by United, with Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank all of interest to Ratcliffe and INEOS.

Ten Hag has had to bat away criticism for much of his second season at Old Trafford, a campaign which saw his injury-ravaged squad slip to eighth in the Premier League, and he poked fun at Red Devils legend Roy Keane while discussing the momentous Wembley success.

The FA Cup victory means United will play in the Europa League next season, relegating Chelsea to the Conference League and stripping Newcastle United of any continental action for 2024/25.

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