If anyone deserves it, our fans do
Manchester United's fans are expected to be in defiant mood at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, as the Reds pursue Emirates FA Cup glory.
Ten Hag's side are real underdogs, according to the bookmakers, as we look to halt Manchester City's charge towards the Double. The Blues ended the Premier League term in clinical fashion, wrapping up the title on the last day, their fourth championship in succession and their sixth in the last seven seasons.
The Blues also won both derbies in 2023/24 but United's loyal fans have been in bullish mood, of late, despite a trying campaign. There was the remarkable show of support following the defeat at Crystal Palace and consistent chanting about Wembley during the run-in.
The club has been in similar situations before, and upset the odds, and, if we can get our hands on the trophy for a 13th time, the manager feels it will be nothing less than the United faithful deserve.
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When asked by MUTV's Mark Sullivan if he could feel the optimism and energy coming from the crowd, Ten Hag replied: “I think so. I really admire the fans. I said, the other week, they are the best fans in the world, and we have been together through tough times this season. But I think the fans understand where we are as a team.
"All the problems we have had, we have suffered, but, in the same times, they have also had, over the last couple of years, tough times. And now we are, for the third time in two seasons, in a final, and we will give everything we have as a team, as individuals, to give them the cup.
"We have to pay them back and, if any fans deserve this, they are the fans of Manchester United.”
There is huge incentive for United in the 15:00 BST kick-off, which will be settled on the day, with extra-time and penalties, if required.
Not only would victory secure a second trophy in successive seasons for Ten Hag's men but it would also clinch a place in the 2024/25 Europa League, after the club failed to obtain European qualification from our eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.
The supporters inside Wembley are bound to be revved up for the occasion to cheer the team on and, hopefully, their backing can help inspire the players to pull off what would be a famous triumph.