“I have only one plan” – Ten Hag defends David de Gea after FA Cup final loss

Erik ten Hag has defended David de Gea after Manchester United suffered a 2-1 loss against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

After an Ilkay Gundogan brace saw Manchester City lift the FA Cup in dominant fashion, many looked towards David de Gea as the main reason why the final slipped out of Manchester United’s hands.

Despite Bruno Fernandes scoring an equalising just before half-time, this was not enough to spur Erik ten Hag‘s men on to victory.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Erik ten Hag explained that despite many pointing at De Gea for the goals, he did not want to discuss criticism of the Premier League Golden Glove winner.

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“In this moment, I don’t want to talk about such issues of criticism because we played all a great season – including David De Gea, he played a fantastic season,” he said.

However, when further pressed on De Gea’s kicking, he said: “Say it like this, we are in the right direction.

“But there are occasions in the game, issues in the game we have to improve, definitely, if we want to make the next step and win trophies. I have only one plan, that is to improve this club and to improve this team.

“I have my ideas and I already told the club what we have to do for that but I have to work with my staff, with my players to be better next season. It’s not about getting players in and they do well.

“It’s about we work all season and day by day to develop the team, progress the team. I’m very proud where we came from in the start of the season.”

Manchester United will be moving forwards, with all eyes on the 2023 summer transfer window as Ten Hag looks to improve his team further.

United are close to securing the services of Mason Mount, with the only stumbling block left being a transfer fee, with Chelsea demanding £70 million as a starting price.

They are also lining up moves for both Harry Kane and Declan Rice while staying in the market for a new goalkeeper.