Revealed: Erik ten Hag ‘had to be talked out of a tactical nightmare’ in last season’s FA Cup final ‘in hours of internal debate led by Darren Fletcher’

Erik ten Hag was forced out of an ill-advised tactical strategy he insisted on deploying against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, a report has revealed.

The Dutchman was sacked by Manchester United boss on Monday morning after two-and-a-half years in the role, with the side languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and still without a win in Europe.

Ten Hag looked certain to lose his job at the end of last season as United finished the season in eighth place, although the FA Cup final offered a chance at silverware. The subsequent shock victory over their city rivals at Wembley generated a groundswell of support for the Dutchman, such was the performance and impressive approach against Pep Guardiola’s side.

But according to The independentTen Hag had to be talked into the tactical plan because he initially wanted to go ‘toe-to-toe’ with the Premier League champions.

The report claims that technical coach and former midfielder Darren Fletcher led an hours-long debate against Ten Hag’s wishes, which ultimately worked to convince the Dutchman.

Then-technical director Darren Fletcher reportedly led a debate against Ten Hag’s preferred line-up for the match

City stunned their city rivals in the FA Cup final in May thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo

The decision on the tactical approach was reportedly made before the final in May, which proved crucial in keeping Ten Hag’s job at the helm for a few more months.

Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were enough to give Ten Hag his second trophy as United boss in as many seasons, but their start to this season showed an improvement in their league form.

The defeat to West Ham on Sunday was the club’s four in their first nine Premier League matches. Ten Hag was informed of his dismissal from United during a meeting in Carrington on Monday morning.

His assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy has been given temporary charge but United quickly opened talks with Ruben Amorim and Sporting about activating the £8.5m release clause in his contract in Portugal.

Mail Sport has discovered that sacking Ten Hag will cost United around £15million. They activated a one-year contract extension in the summer after deciding not to recruit a replacement.

Ten Hag received early praise for the way he handled stars and asserted his authority with a strict approach towards Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

But pundits continually pointed out that United had no clear plan and that they suffered some heavy defeats during Ten Hag’s reign, whether that was 7-0 against Liverpool, 4-0 against Crystal Palace and Brentford, or the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham earlier this season. what could have been more.

Ten Hag was sacked as manager of Manchester United on Monday after the dismal start to the season

In a statement on the club website, United said: ‘Erik ten Hag has left his role as manager of Manchester United’s men’s first team.

‘Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, including winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

‘We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him the best for the future.

‘Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, while a permanent head coach is appointed.’