The problem for Erik ten Hag right now is that he does not know where the next pelter is coming from: the punters, the pundits or even his own players.
Booed by the home fans for substituting Kobbie Mainoo and again at full time here, Ten Hag defended himself after another deflating result, then bit back at the former Manchester United stars who have criticised the development of his team.
Ten Hag later claimed that United are ‘one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment’, which is true but perhaps not in the way that the fans and his employers would like. Watching United is rarely dull these days.
At the end of a week in which the Dutchman branded sections of the media a ‘disgrace’ for their reaction to the potty FA Cup win over Coventry City at Wembley, you had to admire his gumption but also wonder whether he is showing the strain of a season in charge of this maddeningly unpredictable team.
Because while Ten Hag will ultimately shoulder the responsibility for results, there are things for which he cannot legislate.
Erik ten Hag claimed Manchester United are entertaining after their 1-1 draw with Burnley
Watching United is rarely dull but perhaps not in the way Ten Hag’s new bosses would like
All episodes
It’s All Kicking Off! ‘He’s reaching De Bruyne levels’ listen now
PODCAST: Listen to our EXCLUSIVE interview with Phil Foden
IAKO! – Nottingham Forest are making fools of themselves!
It’s All Kicking Off! – Can City overcome Chelsea in FA Cup Showdown?
It’s All Kicking Off! – OFFICIAL Man City win the Premier League again
Having got their noses in front through Antony’s first league goal in more than a year, it looked for once like United would close out a win free of unnecessary drama. Step forward Casemiro, described by Ten Hag in his programme notes as having the ‘perfect mindset’ for filling in at centre back.
Presented with an opportunity to clear the ball in the 85th minute, the Brazilian inexplicably decided to head it back towards his six-yard box.
Next up was Andre Onana.
Outstanding to that point, the United keeper rushed out of his goal and pole-axed Zeki Amdouni with a careless attempt to punch the ball away. Amdouni picked himself up to score from the spot and give Burnley a vital – and deserved – point in their battle against relegation.
Antony scored his first league goal in over a year before Burnley hit back with a late penalty
Ten Hag must focus on Europa League qualification and the FA Cup – then hope to keep his job
United were denied a penalty of their own for Vitinho’s handball which looked suspiciously similar to the one for which Aaron Wan-Bissaka was punished against Coventry, prompting Ten Hag to open up another battlefront in his post-match analysis.
‘In the other (Burnley) box, I have seen a minimum of three penalties. The refereeing is really inconsistent,’ he said.
The United boss conceded for the first time that a top-four finish is now beyond his team.
He must focus on Europa League qualification and the FA Cup final – then hope Sir Jim Ratcliffe lets him keep his job.
