PARTYING GIFT FROM TEN HAG

United save their best to the very last knockings but even outwitting Guardiola is not enough for Erik to save his skin

- JOHN CROSS

ULTIMATELY, it will prove to be too little too late for Erik ten Hag.

The FA Cup can never be enough to save Ten Hag because Manchester United cannot stomach mid-table mediocrity under any circumstances.

Not even a dramatic FA Cup final win over Manchester City or hard-luck stories about injuries can excuse finishing eighth in the Premier League with a negative goal difference.

As a goodbye, it was a nice way to say farewell, with Ten Hag probably feeling like he could stick two fingers up to the United hierarchy. Two trophies in two seasons is a good return.

But if you measure that against City's level of success, then it is nowhere near enough.

It is likely to be a summer of change, and not only for United.

After winning the Treble last season, winning only the title probably feels like a bit of a let-down for a City squad that definitely needs a shake-up.

That may seem a harsh indictment on City after a record-breaking fourth consecutive title. But boss Pep Guardiola's success at the Etihad has been built on ruthless decisions and even higher ambitions.