Erik ten Hag refused to take questions from journalists who were critical of him and Man United after their dramatic FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City.
United edged past their Championship opponents at Wembley on Sunday, but their victory wasn’t without drama after they squandered a three-goal lead before triumphing 4-2 on penalties.
Coventry also had a goal chalked off in extra time by VAR when USA striker Haji Wright was marginally offside before he squared to Victor Torp to tuck home.
The chaotic clash capped the latest underwhelming performance and dismal collapse by the Red Devils in a season that has been marred by problems both on and off the field and Ten Hag was slammed by many after the game.
However, he bit back ahead of Wednesday’s game with Sheffield United, branding his critics as a ‘disgrace’ and ’embarrassing’.
Erik ten Hag refused to answer questions from those who have criticised him and Man United
Ten Hag was furious with journalists after United beat Sheffield United 4-2 on Wednesday
Ten Hag took particular umbrage with the coverage of United’s victory over Coventry City
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
And, following United’s 4-2 victory over the Blades, who sit bottom of the Premier League, Ten Hag again made his feelings clear as he failed to take questions from a select group of journalists.
The Telegraph report that Ten Hag felt some of the criticism and reporting of Sunday’s display, plus his future as United boss – which is under scrutiny after a tricky campaign – has been disrespectful, while the Dutchman similarly feels it has crossed the line of what is acceptable.
This has included his anger at mid-match social media posts by journalists.
For example, MEN’s United reporter Samuel Luckhurst tweeted during extra-time at Wembley on Sunday: ‘Ten Hag cannot survive this. He has to go ASAP. #mufc.’
Within the post-match press conference, the report goes onto claim that the affected reporters were still allowed in, but they were just not given the chance to quiz Ten Hag.
In truth, it has been a torrid season for the Red Devils, with the club failing to build upon their achievements of winning the Carabao Cup and finishing third in Ten Hag’s first year at the club.
After crashing out of the Champions League in the group stage, they were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the fourth round.
Meanwhile, they are almost certain to miss out on the top four, with Ten Hag’s men 13 points adrift of the Champions League spots, while they have won 16 and lost 12 league games this season, evidencing their struggles and inconsistency.
Their goal difference of plus one only adds to to the storyline of a difficult campaign.
Ten Hag felt coverage of his future, including mid-game social media posts, crossed the line
United edged to victory against the Blades at Old Trafford to strengthen their grip on sixth
This is not the first time Ten Hag – who has one year left on his contract – has reacted angrily to his perceived treatment in the media.
Back in December, the club imposed a ban on four media outlets amid claims they were not given the chance to reply to negative stories surrounding players allegedly being unhappy with Ten Hag.
Despite the hugely chaotic campaign, last night’s victory over Sheffield United leaves United in pole positive to finish sixth this season.
Ten Hag’s side return to action on Saturday, when they entertain Burnley at Old Trafford.