Erik ten Hag asserts that Manchester United must draw strength from the disappointment of losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup final in order to advance and eventually overtake their powerful neighbors.
On Saturday afternoon, the footballing world watched as these archrivals faced off in a significant cup final for the first time at Wembley.
Bruno Fernandes' penalty canceled out Ilkay Gundogan's breathtaking strike that had given the game's first goal after just 12 seconds.
A second Gundogan volley gave City the advantage again, sealing a 2-1 victory and giving them a chance to repeat United's 1999 triple triumph in the Champions League final the following weekend.
When United's adversaries lifted the Cup, many United supporters had already begun the lengthy, train strike-affected trip home, but Ten Hag and his squad were present to see the celebrations.
First and foremost, always be respectful, the Dutchman advised. However, that is a motivator, of course.It must be felt in the stomach. "We want to be there and our team, my players, deserved it, but you have to grab it and that is the next step we have to make," said the coach. "This hurts and it has to be fuel."
It was a disappointing end to Ten Hag's first season in charge, which he is happy to have guided through to a third-place finish, Carabao Cup victory, and tight FA Cup final.
Against arguably the finest squad in the world at the time, we didn't let them leave open play.We rallied after falling behind quickly by a goal, and I believe we are the only team in the world capable of doing the same against the City team.
So, yes, I was pleased with my team's performance.
Ten Hag was questioned if he felt comfortable keeping David De Gea for the upcoming season after his participation this season and his contribution to City's second goal came under scrutiny.
"At this time, I don't want to discuss such matters or criticism because we all had a fantastic season,"
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