Erik ten Hag believes Wembley is ‘probably the best stadium in the world’ as Manchester United prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
United take on their cross-town rivals in a historic FA Cup final at Wembley this weekend, in what will be the first-ever Manchester Derby in a domestic cup final.
Both teams are looking to add further silverware to successful seasons and United can win a domestic cup double for the first time in the club’s history after League Cup success in February. City, meanwhile, are chasing a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble under Pep Guardiola.
Ahead of a huge clash, Ten Hag discussed his excitement as he prepares to lead United out at Wembley.
“I have played many cup finals in the Netherlands as a player and as a coach and it was always fantastic experiences,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“In the Netherlands, we have De Kuip and that is a special place to be, but Wembley is probably the best stadium in the world and to be there in a cup final is really exciting.”
Ten Hag refused to call this weekend’s meeting the ‘biggest game of his career’, but admitted a Manchester Derby with silverware at stake is a huge occasion.
“I don’t know. I had some more. It is definitely a big game but I don’t want to make an assessment on what is the biggest.
“We have a great opportunity against a great opponent and we are looking forward to the test. Every game you have to win. Football is about winning and results, every game you play, you have to win.”
Ten Hag reflected on his first season in charge at Old Trafford, one which has seen the Red Devils reach both domestic cup finals and secure Champions League qualification.
The Dutchman has been pleased with the progress of his side, but insists his team will ‘start again from zero’ ahead of next season.
“I think it is very good when you see where we came from and you see the development and the progress of the team – in a tough league like the Premier League and you are third and winning the League Cup and in final of FA Cup. You can be happy with the season, but I know in the summer we start again from zero.”
