Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag dedicated his side’s Premier League win over Newcastle to the Old Trafford fans.
The Dutchman has been under fire in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he could lose his job in the summer, but he has responded with an important win that keeps the club’s European hopes alive.
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Goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund were enough to halt a resilient Newcastle side, who took the game to the very end thanks to strikes from Anthony Gordon.
It means both sides are tied on 57 points heading into the final day and whoever finishes higher will likely claim the only Europa Conference League spot.
Ten Hag was relieved to end the campaign at home with a win and says the fans deserved it after enduring a difficult season.
“You are the best supporters in the world” 🌎
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2024
Erik ten Hag thanks the Manchester United fans for their support this season. pic.twitter.com/IRESSbDf9U
He said: “It’s always nice to win any game.
“It’s important to win the last game at Old Trafford this season. The fans deserve this because they’ve had difficult times and always stayed with us.
“We are here together. We wanted to pay the fans back.
“Fantastic. Great goals. But it was a team effort how we made the goals.
“But I’m always happy at young players who are progressing very good and scored some brilliant goals.
“Newcastle have a lot of physical power and you have to match that but you also have to play football. We had found the really good balance in this.
“I think he [Hojlund] needs some rest so he’s fresh. Strikers live for goals. It’s very important for his confidence so I’m really pleased he scored.”
Manchester United will take on rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on 25 May, but the Red Devils boss said he is not thinking about that until after Sunday’s finale.
He added: “We don’t think about this yet.
“First we have Brighton in the last game which is important in the ranking.
“We don’t have it in our hands but we have to do our job.”
