The Dilemma

Who would've thought...

Yesterday, I was so busy that I couldn't watch part of the FA Cup Final. In years past, when things weren't this dire, no matter how busy I was, I would still make time to follow a major cup final involving my team. This time, it was different.

As I moved past the viewing centres on the way to where yesterday's duty lies, I couldn't care less about the final. "Why should I worry about a match that was destined to end in embarrassment?" I thought.

Anyway, I eventually checked the scores at 3:55pm only to realize Man United were two goals up. I was shocked and amazed. And suddenly, I became restless. For so long we've found ourselves in a place where it looked like the team was turning a corner only to find ourselves in a deeper mess than the one we looked to be escaping from. Being two goals up at halftime against a City team that can score as much as they want is not something that guarantees victory.

Well, the rest is history and the game is won. Andre Onana made sure it was a nervy ending by letting a goal in. I guess the lad prefers putting the fans on the edge of their seats. Thankfully, City couldn't get a decisive goal to tie the game. That's the simple part of this post.

The hard part: What happens now?

Before this match, Ten Hag looks certain to get sacked. The public show of support for the Dutchman by his players after the win clearly showed they were expecting him to get sacked. However, that FA Cup win has definitely made the water a little muddy and unclear. The only people that clearly know what is going on right now are the INEOS dudes and other board members.

Considering how terrible Man United played this season, is one high profile win enough to keep Ten Hag for another season?

While I was reading his interview yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his head. His defiant talk of him winning trophies elsewhere is more than enough proof the Dutchman knew where the leadership of the club already pitched their tents. His strong choice of words looks more like an advertisement than a threat. And he's entitled to that having won two trophies in two years.

Now, if Man United were to sack Ten Hag, who is out there to replace him?

I couldn't help but feel disgusted when I saw the names Chelsea were linked to as regards filling their managerial vacancy. None of them could lace the managerial shoe of Mauricio Pochettino - not even the much hyped De Zerbi.

Are these the kind of managers we will be running after to replace Ten Hag? Or, the plan is to get one of Tuchel, Xavi or Zidane?

Whatever the leadership of the club decides, they will be taking a big risk. Despite the incredible amount of injuries the club suffered this season, the performance has been unimaginatively poor and lacking identity. Surely, the club won't be making their decision based on the performances in just one match.

If Ten Hag gets sacked, the only manager out there that probably guarantees regular winnings is City's Guardiola - and maybe Ancelloti. Anyone else will only try to get close while also starting from the scratch. And if the Dutchman is retained, will the team play better than they did?

There is no denying the fact that the FA Cup will impact decisions. And Man United not coming out all this while to send a strongly worded message of support for Ten Hag shows they want to replace him.

Whatever they decide to do, I hope the club will be in a better position by next season. The club is bigger than any individual.

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