Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has launched a scathing attack on the media, branding their reaction to his team’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City as ’embarrassing.’ United narrowly avoided a humiliating defeat at Wembley Stadium, but Ten Hag has come out fighting in defense of his team’s achievement of reaching a third final in two seasons.
The Red Devils were cruising to a comfortable 3-0 lead in the 70th minute, but a stunning comeback by the Championship side saw them equalize in the dying minutes of extra time. However, VAR intervened to rule out what would have been a dramatic winner for Coventry, handing United a 4-2 penalty shootout victory.
Despite securing a place in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, United have been subjected to intense criticism for their capitulation in the second half. Ten Hag has taken aim at the media’s portrayal of the match, accusing them of painting his team as the underdogs despite their ultimate victory.
“I think the reaction after the game was embarrassing,” Ten Hag said. “We won the game, we are in the final, and we are still reading and hearing all this negative stuff. It’s not fair to the players, it’s not fair to the staff, and it’s not fair to the fans.”
Ten Hag’s comments highlight the intense pressure he is under at Old Trafford. Despite leading United to a third final in two seasons, the Dutchman is facing calls for his dismissal amid speculation that the club’s owners, INEOS, are considering a fresh start in the summer.
However, Ten Hag remains defiant, vowing to prove his critics wrong. “We have to stay focused on our goals,” he said. “We have a lot of quality in this team, and we can achieve great things together. We just need to keep working hard and stay united.”
United will be looking to put their FA Cup heroics behind them when they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday.
