Inside Erik ten Hag's 'painful' press conference as Manchester United's future remains in doubt despite FA Cup win

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag did not have it easy, despite beating rivals Man City in the FA Cup final.

And esteemed journalist Henry Winter told talkSPORT about the “painful” atmosphere inside his press conference after cup of glory.

United beat Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday to win their second trophy under ten witcheswho arrived at the game amid reports that he would be his last in charge.

Responding to speculation in his post-match press conference, he defiantly said: “If they don't want me anymore then I'll go anywhere else to win trophies because that's what I did my whole career.”

However, Winter, who was present, revealed what he believes is a telling sign that Ten Hag could leave United this summer.

Speaking on Sunday Edition with Shaun Custis, he said: “The most revealing thing, and it's interesting, was talking to some of the Ten Hag supporters in the Dutch media who were there, I say supporters, journalists who know Ten Hag well, everyone They said the same thing.

“That is the body language of Manchester United's press officer and director of communications, Andrew Ward, who is a person we both know well, who cares passionately about Manchester United, who takes defeats seriously and who likes Have Hag.

“His body language was just that of someone who… obviously wasn't enjoying it, wasn't enjoying the kind of scrutiny and the intense questions about the guy to his left, Ten Hag's career.

“I was looking at Andrew and I thought, 'This must be very painful for him because he knows how painful it must be for Ten Hag.'

“Which to me, just looking at it from the outside, shows that the clock is ticking strongly on Ten Hag time.”

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Ten Hag joined United from Ajax in 2022 and helped them to the Carabao Cup and third place in the Premier League in his first year.

However, fluctuating form and results this season have raised questions over his future for much of the disappointing overall campaign.

Winning the FA Cup has been a huge boost for United as, although they finished eighth in the league, they will play in the Europa League.

However, Ten Hag may not be in the Old Trafford dugout next season amid reports he will be sacked by the club.

Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter are among the potential contenders to replace it in case a change is made before the next season.