Erik ten Hag has described the reaction to Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final progression as “embarrassing”.
You could forget that Ten Hag has led United to three finals in the last two years if you believed every narrative being spread by the mainstream media.
We get it, the Dutchman isn’t popular, partly because he doesn’t dance to the tune of the news hounds.
The media enjoyed watching United squander a 3-0 lead against Championship side Coventry City before being taken to a penalty shootout which we won 4-2.
It prompted a negative reaction from some, but I can assure you that I left Wembley on Sunday feeling relieved with a smile on my face.
Ten Hag held a pre-match press conference this morning and he went into it swinging. The manager said, “Good morning,” when he entered the press conference room, correcting reporters who said, “Good afternoon.”
“Sharp. I notice not everyone is sharp here,” Ten Hag added. When he was asked who is not sharp, he replied: “Oh, the majority I would say.”
The first question from BBC reporter Simon Stone focused on the reaction to Sunday’s result and whether the manager thought it was fair.
“No. Absolutely not,” Ten Hag replied, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“You made enough and one the question: ‘is it embarrassing?’ No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. Is it the comments.
“Top football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it not only by this game but also the other games. We lost control for 20 minutes, we also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, clear. Penalties was very good and we made it to the final.
“It is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace.”
🗣️ "You were embarrassing!"
Erik ten Hag labels the comments about his side's performance against Coventry a 'disgrace' and believes reaching the FA Cup final again should be seen as a huge achievement 🔻 pic.twitter.com/4IlIZVCOaL
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 23, 2024
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports News
Since progressing to the FA Cup final, Ten Hag’s future has been debated by all sections of the media, who believe his days are numbered at Old Trafford.
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