Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivers a message full of praises to Erik Ten hag after Man United defeats Manchester City in the FA Cup final The Portuguese playmaker took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the Dutchman, highlighting his leadership, tactical nous, and man-management skills in an emotional tribute that will surely tug at the heartstrings of even the most cynical of football fans.

After Manchester United’s victorious FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, team captain Bruno Fernandes lavished praise on manager Erik ten Hag. Fernandes commended Ten Hag’s tactical intelligence and thorough preparation, attributing the win to the manager’s precise approach to the game.

Ten Hag’s strategic choices were crucial in Manchester United’s 2-1 triumph over Manchester City. Fernandes noted that Ten Hag executed “everything” flawlessly, ensuring the team was well-prepared for the crucial match. This victory marked United’s first FA Cup title since 2016, achieved through disciplined play and effective execution of their game plan.

In the match, first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo gave United a strong lead. Garnacho capitalized on a defensive error by City, showcasing his opportunistic skill, while Mainoo finished a complex team movement with composure. Despite a late goal from City’s substitute Jeremy Doku, which increased the tension towards the end, United managed to hold on, demonstrating their resilience and defensive solidity.

Under Ten Hag’s guidance, Manchester United displayed a tactical approach that effectively nullified Manchester City’s attacking threats. United’s defensive strategy made it difficult for City to create significant opportunities, keeping them away from Andre Onana’s goal. This disciplined performance highlighted the team’s dedication and tactical discipline.

A key component of United’s strategy was deploying Fernandes in a “false nine” role, a tactic that bolstered the midfield and disrupted City’s rhythm. This approach had been successfully used in previous matches against Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion. Fernandes believed this tactical setup was crucial, allowing United to control the game and apply pressure effectively.

In his post-match interview with ITV Sport, Fernandes credited Ten Hag’s comprehensive game planning, acknowledging that while not every strategy works perfectly, the preparation and execution this time were impeccable. He emphasized the importance of tight defensive organization and relentless pressure on City’s lines, which were essential for securing the victory.

Reflecting on Ten Hag’s commitment and effort, Fernandes noted that the team had fulfilled the manager’s promise to give everything to win the final. After their previous win over Newcastle, Ten Hag had assured fans of the team’s dedication, and Fernandes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s spirit and determination.

Fernandes discussed the team’s mindset going into the match, recognizing Manchester City’s quality and skill. He pointed out that despite City’s brilliance and possession-based play, United’s spirit and strategic discipline were key to their triumph. The team’s understanding of their objectives and their unwavering effort were crucial to overcoming a formidable opponent and clinching the prestigious FA Cup title.

In summary, Manchester United’s FA Cup victory was the result of strategic brilliance, disciplined execution, and unwavering determination, all orchestrated by Erik ten Hag’s astute leadership. The win not only added a prestigious trophy to United’s collection but also highlighted the effectiveness of Ten Hag’s management and the collective resolve of the team.