'I deserve a holiday!' - Erik ten Hag reveals post FA Cup final plans after INEOS talks amid speculation he will be sacked regardless of result against Man City

Stories that the Dutchman will be sacked by United's minority owners INEOS have ramped up in the past 24 hours, making for an unwelcome distraction ahead of Saturday's showpiece at Wembley. But the manager has not scheduled any meetings with the club's hierarchy.

"No, we already did (talk) and on Sunday I will go on holiday. I think I deserve it," Ten Hag told a press conference. "It is not necessary [to get assurances from INEOS], we will go for next season."

The manager said that he had held positive discussions with INEOS and had received positive messages ahead of the final from them, adding: "Of course, we are together. Since January they have been part of this club and they want us to win trophies. This club didn’t win many trophies in the last 10 years, so now we have the second opportunity in two years and it is a big opportunity to win another trophy."

Ten Hag has taken United to three domestic finals in two years in charge, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and losing to City in last year's FA Cup final. And he believes the players will be fired up for the occasion despite their woeful Premier League season.

“It will definitely motivate players to play in a cup final and all the players are desperate for it," he said. "The demands in this game will be high and you have to play to your highest levels, you have to be fit, mentally, physically, to play a part and to contribute in this game. They have dealt more often with these occasions in finals, so the more games you would have played, the better the chance you will play a good game on Saturday, but if not, then you still have a good opportunity. Because it’s a final, the adrenaline, the occasion, it will drive you.”

Although Ten Hag was bullish about his future, United are looking at potential candidates to succeed him. And the club's former assistant coach Kieran McKenna is reported to have held discussions with incoming CEO Omar Berrada, after leading Ipswich to consecutive promotions. Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel have also been strongly linked with the Old Trafford hotseat.