If winning the FA Cup could ease Manchester United’s plight, they may reflect that it helped get them into this mess. FA Cup glory at Wembley famously transformed one United manager’s reign; in a different way, it altered that of another, and it has more an immediate impact now.
For Sir Alex Ferguson, a first trophy in 1990 was the start of a path that led to 13 league titles, two Champions Leagues and a status as the most successful manager in the history of English football. For Erik ten Hag in 2024, it brought a reprieve. A man who many expected to be sacked was instead awarded a new contract.
