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Manchester United came away from the Amex Stadium with a 2-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion, but it was too little too late.
Goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund, two of the few United players who can hold their heads high after this season, gave the Red Devils victory.
However, Newcastle United’s 4-2 win away at Brentford meant the win was in vain for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Too many points dropped and too many needless goals conceded means United will finish eighth, their worst finish in the Premier League.
A two-goal cushion was also not enough to prevent the Red Devils from finishing with a negative goal difference for the first time in Premier League history, as they ended the campaign with an embarrassing minus one goal difference after 38 matches.
That means they won’t be playing European football next season, or even the Conference League, unless they somehow manage to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final in six days’ time.
Of course, there has been plenty of discussion about Ten Hag’s future and in contrast to the confidence he showed in his end-of-season speech at Old Trafford, the Dutchman stood still and applauded the traveling fans for what seemed like a year.
Perhaps it was also the biggest indicator that this is his last match in the Premier League in charge of United.
Commenting on the game as a whole in his post-match press conference (via Hayters TV) he said: “The first half we didn’t have 100% control but we made some changes and in the second half we were much better. The defense, organization and pressing on the ball were much more effective, and in possession, we held the ball better and made moves from behind.”
The Dutchman also praised the impact of his young striker Rasmus Hoylund, who came off the bench for the second time this week to score an important goal.
“He came in and showed freshness on Wednesday as well. It makes a very good impression.”
When asked to comment on his assessment of the Dane’s first season in England, he said there was always room for improvement but that he had done well considering the fact he had three injuries during the campaign.
He also reminded the reporter that the season is not over and that Hojlund could add to his tally of 16 goals in next weekend’s FA Cup final.
Ten Haag was also asked about the afternoon’s first goalscorer, Diogo Dalot, and how he changed the match with his runs into central positions, which resulted in the opening goal.
“It’s about overloading the middle and he’s a very good runner behind. He can do it from left back, and he can also do it from right back. He can attack from central as well as wide areas. He is a player who developed as a full-back, but he can play not only as a full-back but also the other way around. So I think his development is very good this season and we are very happy with him.”
Ten Haag’s attention was then turned to the cup final and he was coy about whether his side would deploy a false nine formation as at the start of the game, as the manager claimed his side were this dangerous in a 3-1 defeat in the game. Etihad earlier in the season.
However, he also praised Hojlund’s form and said there was “consideration” to start the striker.
The former Ajax man was also relieved to have defensive options to choose from with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans all getting minutes in the legs ahead of the final.
“Our central position has been a nightmare all season. If you want results, one of the foundations of a good team is a partnership of good centre-backs, and we didn’t have that.”
“I’m glad we have some to choose from and we probably need more than two next week.”
The under-fire coach also took a moment to praise the traveling fans and said: “It’s amazing, we have the best fans in the world and I mean it. I have never experienced a season like this. Far from good enough and the fans are with us in good times and bad. We have to give them back and do everything to give them the trophy, but also for the future.”
United and Erik ten Hag will now look to add some sparkle to the season by going one better than last year by winning the FA Cup against their cross-city rivals.
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