When Erik ten Hag lifted the FA Cup trophy last season, he could proudly tell the world that he was the United manager who brought titles back to Old Trafford. With an embarrassing 8th place finish in the Premier League, this was the decisive factor that led Ratcliffe and INEOS to give the Dutchman an extension as long-term United manager. This lasted for four months. When Pep Guardiola is asked questions and an FA Cup title saves the season for City, it is met with a blank stare from the Spaniard.
City must first beat Bournemouth, then their opponent in the semi-finals and final to be able to lift the FA Cup trophy, but Guardiola knows success here brings nothing more than short-lived joy. Unlike Ten Hag, who all last summer referred to the FA Cup and League Cup titles.
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“Of course it would have been nice to get to the FA Cup final. It would be nice to win it and qualify for the Champions League. If that happens, it will be a great success, but the season has been bad. There are many things that have not been good enough. That’s the reality. It doesn’t change if we win a title or qualify for the Champions League. Of course, we would be happy for a trophy. We go for it, but the season has not been good,” Guardiola said before Sunday’s game.
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