Erik ten Hag has revealed he told his Manchester United players he was proud of their efforts in Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Not many gave United a chance of beating their neighbours after their relentless march to the Premier League title and Champions League final but they gave a very good account of themselves despite losing 2-1. Conceding the opening goal after just 13 seconds certainly didn't help matters, though, as Ilkay Gundogan volleyed home a sloppy clearance from Victor Lindelof.
United threatened to completely collapse after the early shock but managed to keep the Blues' early onslaught at bay before gradually growing into the match and starting to stifle their opponents. A route back into the game was presented when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Jack Grealish and Bruno Fernandes obliged from the spot.
Read more: United player ratings vs City
The second half was delicately poised but it would be City who got the winner after Gundogan was left unmarked on the edge of the box and his volley crept past a hapless David de Gea. United, and Alejandro Garnacho especially, did their best to get level again but City held on for the win as they close in on a treble.
Afterwards, Ten Hag described the mood in the dressing room. "We are broken, disappointed of course, but I said I am proud of my team," he told the BBC. "We did very well, we conceded two soft goals but we were in the game.
"There was a great spirit and very good organisation. They were tough goals, they were so soft and avoidable. When you play against City and you don't concede almost nothing from open play it is a big credit for the team but if you concede goals like this it is disappointing.
"This team showed resilience, character and personality. We know we have a way to go but this will make us better. It was a test for us, we didn't succeed but we can take a lot of positives into next season."
READ MORE:
- United suffer Anthony Martial blow ahead of transfer window
- 'I don't argue with Bruno, I just demand a lot' - Casemiro on help from Fernandes and his faith in John Murtough
- ‘A big part of my game you can’t see on TV' - Raphael Varane interview
- Personal terms and video calls - United are being well run in spite of the Glazers ahead of the transfer window
- All the United news and views
