After a narrow escape into the FA Cup final, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag came out strongly on Tuesday.
His team faced criticism for almost losing a 3-0 lead against second-tier Coventry on Sunday and needing a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the final.
Acknowledging United’s luck when Coventry’s extra-time goal was disallowed by VAR for a slight offside, Ten Hag, facing uncertainty about his future after a disappointing season, criticized his detractors after guiding United to consecutive FA Cup finals.
“The reaction from you (the media) was embarrassing,” he said at a press conference before Wednesday’s Premier League match against Sheffield United. “Top football is about results, and we reached the final and earned it.”
“Twice (two FA Cup finals) in two years — it’s fantastic. For me as a manager, four cup finals in four years. The comments are unacceptable.” United will face Manchester City again in the final on May 25.
Ten Hag won the Dutch Cup with Ajax in 2019 and 2021 and was the runner-up in 2022. He also clinched three Dutch league titles as Ajax coach. Under his leadership, Ajax made it to the Champions League semifinals in 2019.
It was this track record that convinced United that he was the right person to reverse the club’s fortunes after years of decline since former manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
Ten Hag secured the English League Cup in his first season with United last year and secured qualification for the Champions League. However, he has struggled to maintain that early success this season.
His team currently sits in seventh place in the standings and is likely to miss out on the Champions League, trailing fourth-place Aston Villa by 16 points with two games in hand.
