Ten Hag's tactical masterclass in FA Cup final may have come too late to save his job

Pep Guardiola stood to the side, his mind immersed in deep contemplation. The realization hit him hard – this was one of those rare occasions when his team, known for their utter dominance, faltered and stumbled. The trajectory of their relentless success was momentarily clouded with unease. Manchester City, without resorting to the recourse of a penalty shootout, had been outmaneuvered and outscored for the first time since December 6.

In the lead-up to the FA Cup final, pundits and fans gave Manchester United little chance, with their manager Erik ten Hag seemingly on the brink of departure. After enduring a season filled with turmoil and disappointment, their eighth-place finish in the league being the lowest in over three decades, chaos seemed to be their constant companion. City were expected to deliver the final blow, sealing Ten Hag's fate and sending him off with a resounding defeat.

But football, with its penchant for delivering sensational twists, had other plans. In a breathtaking turn of events, Ten Hag unveiled a tactical masterclass that defied all expectations. His strategic brilliance orchestrated an unlikely victory against a team that had seemed invincible.

Ultimately, it was two young talents of United, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who emerged as the heroes, each scoring a crucial goal in a remarkable first half. The fact that two teenagers found the back of the net in an FA Cup final is an unprecedented feat. However, this victory was not solely attributed to individual brilliance; it was a testament to the collective determination displayed by the entire team.  

The central defenders, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, exemplified this resolve with their resolute performances. Additionally, the captain, Bruno Fernandes, showcased his exceptional vision with a sublime pass that led to Mainoo's goal, a moment that will resonate in the memories of fans for years to come.

Despite facing immense pressure, Ten Hag made a bold decision by leaving out Rasmus Hojlund and opting to deploy Fernandes as a false nine. Ten Hag recognized Fernandes' intelligence and ability to contribute in the attacking third. While it may have been disappointing for Hojlund, whose speed and physicality could have troubled City, Fernandes' passing prowess proved to be crucial. 

The opening goal was a testament to the tenacity of Alejandro Garnacho, as he relentlessly pursued a high punt forward from Diogo Dalot. A calamitous mix-up ensued between City defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. After the ball took a bounce, Gvardiol attempted to head it back to Ortega, only to find the goalkeeper out of position. Seizing the opportunity, Garnacho reacted swiftly, pouncing on the loose ball and calmly slotting it into the unguarded net. While the goal may have had an element of fortune, Garnacho's persistence paid off handsomely.

The second goal, however, was an exquisite display of skill. It was a result of a fluid and swift attacking move that traversed the entire length of the field. Credit must be given to Fernandes, who constantly surveyed his surroundings, assessing the positions of both teammates and defenders in anticipation of receiving the ball. When the ball finally found its way to the Portuguese maestro, he had ample space and appeared destined to take a shot himself.  

Yet, Fernandes had a different plan in mind. With marvelous finesse, he executed a beautifully disguised pass to Mainoo. The 19-year-old forward expertly adjusted his body position and dispatched a sublime shot that eluded Ortega and nestled into the corner of the net. It was a goal of sheer brilliance, sealing an exceptional performance.

It appeared that United had navigated their way through the tempestuous encounter, successfully charting a course amid the City storm. However, their penchant for dramatic moments reared its head as full-time approached, as goalkeeper Andre Onana inadvertently provided City with a lifeline. Caught off guard at his near post, he was unable to stop a low long-range strike from substitute Jeremy Doku.  

It was a dreadful moment for Onana and a nerve-wracking one for every United supporter, especially when the board displayed there would be seven minutes of added time. Yet, United held their nerve and did not let the victory slip away. When the final whistle blew, the sheer euphoria of the moment allowed, however momentarily, for the past tribulations to fade into the background.

Defeating Guardiola's formidable City, a four-time Premier League champion, in a cup final undoubtedly stands as Ten Hag's most significant triumph. However, the reality remains that he left it far too late, making this victory appear to be more a freak event than a trend that can overturn the mounting evidence against him. 

The question lingers: why can't United display this level of performance consistently? Throughout the season, Ten Hag has often attributed their struggles to a seemingly endless string of injuries. Yet, injuries are a part of the game, and this explanation alone fails to fully account for the team's mental and technical deficiencies.

While Ten Hag's inability to address these issues remains a puzzle, he remained defiant until the very end. "When I started here I said I am here to win and also I want to build a team and both I am doing," said the Dutchman afterwards. "But if they don't want me, then I go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do."  

If his departure is imminent, then departing after experiencing the pinnacle of his tenure, with the FA Cup held high amid the jubilant sea of red at Wembley, would certainly be a extraordinary way to bid farewell.