Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gave a speech on the pitch at Old Trafford following the last home game of the season.
Erik ten Hag spoke on the pitch as a rallying cry to supporters ahead of the FA Cup Final against Manchester City.
The Dutchman did the same after the final home game of last season against Wolves. It didn’t have the desired impact at Wembley, but this time he hopes it will be different.
The manager has promised his players will give everything they can to win the FA Cup later this month.
Erik ten Hag post-match speech
This is the message Erik ten Hag delivered to Manchester United supporters at Old Trafford, with the players around him.
He was speaking after the 3-2 win over Newcastle United, just the club’s second league win since the March international break.
The manager said: “It wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and it was the backing of you for the team.
“The season is not over yet. Now, first we will travel to Brighton for three points and then we go to Wembley.
“And I promise you that those players will give everything, to get that cup, to win the cup, and bring it to Old Trafford.
“And be assured, you will be there supporting us. Thank you, you are the best supporters in the world, thank you.”
Erik ten Hag needs to do this more
If Erik ten Hag did this too often, it would lose impact, but it is great to see this side of him, establishing more of a connection with fans.
For instance, after the quarter-final win over Liverpool, the dramatic 4-3 win, the crowd would have been deafening if he spoke up to fire them up further.
Ten Hag was careful with his words. He did not promise a victory. He is smart enough not to do this against Manchester City. But he did promise the players would give everything, and after a tough season, that’s all we can realistically ask for at this late stage in terms of guarantees.