Erik ten Hag breaks silence on his Man United future for the first time after claims he's facing the SACK regardless of the FA Cup final result

Erik ten Hag has discussed his Manchester United future for the first time since it was claimed he will be sacked as the club's manager after the FA Cup final.

The Dutchman's position as United boss is under serious scrutiny after leading the club to their worst ever Premier League finish in eighth and suffering 14 defeats in the English top-flight.

A bombshell interview published on the day of the Cup final saw Ten Hag claim he was originally told by United's owners including new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe that they want him to lead the club's sporting project.

However, a shortlist of managers featuring Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna and Gareth Southgate has been drawn up to replace Ten Hag.

Now the United boss has spoken out about noise surrounding his position and stressed full focus is on beating their derby rivals and winning the FA Cup.

Commenting on his status at United, Ten Hag told the BBC: 'I don't talk about my future. It's not about me, it's about the team and winning the cup.'

Saturday marks the second consecutive FA Cup final showdown between United and City after Pep Guardiola's side won the match 2-1 last season on their way to recording a historic Treble. 

Ten Hag continued to dissect his team selection after deciding to leave Brazilian midfielder Casemiro on the bench and taking striker Rasmus Hojlund out of the starting team in favour of playing Bruno Fernandes upfront.  

'Two years after each other we're in the final but this year we want to win,' he said.

'The mood is very good, strong spirit, strong belief, a tough opponent and we have to give everything we have, sacrifice, suffer but be brave and let them suffer as well.

'We have to be on the front foot and be aggressive. It's about mentality. If we have a strong belief and are brave then you have the opportunity. We had the opportunity last year but didn't take it.

'Casemiro is not 100% and in that space around Phil Foden we need a strong defence,' said Ten Hag.