Erik ten Hag hits out at the media for over-the-top criticism after Coventry City win | OneFootball

An under-pressure Manchester United return to Premier League action on Wednesday with a game against bottom-dwellers Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

Anything less than three points against a team that conceded four against 19th placed Burnley and are winless in their last nine games would be seen as a travesty.

The Red Devils enter the contest on the back of an embarrassing FA Cup semi-final victory against Coventry City in which they relinquished a three-goal lead in the last 30 minutes before eventually winning on penalties.

Erik ten Hag’s side is winless in their last four league games while a win against Everton was their only win in seven previous league games.

Embarrassing reactions

The manager’s tactics have been questioned time and again while his substitutions allowed the Championship side back into the contest on Sunday.

Despite another summit clash to look forward to, Sunday’s dismal display heaped further pressure on Ten Hag with many pointing out that the players and manager should be embarrassed to celebrate such a win.

During the pre-match press conference, Ten Hag hit out at pundits and journalists for saying and writing such absurdities.

“No. Absolutely not. You made enough and one the question: “is it embarrassing? No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. It is 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 mins, 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 final in four years. The comments are a disgrace.””

There was also a lot of hue and cry raised over Antony’s post-match reaction of cupping his ear towards the opposition. While the manager said the Brazilian should not have done so, the player was forced to do so due to provocation from the Coventry players.

“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He was provoked, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction.

Antony was provoked

“But he should not do it. I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others, we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and the comeback we are 70 mins totally dominating the game by far and 3-0 must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good.”

INEOS are already reportedly looking at potential managerial alternatives with the team struggling to finish in the European places this season.

But as per Ten Hag, the team still has the chance to qualify for the Europa League at least either by virtue of a top-six league finish or by winning the FA Cup. United are currently seventh in the top-flight.

“Yes, but we have to win every game. That’s what United stands for, that is our approach, go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and we have two opportunities in the league and the FA Cup final.”

The Dutchman has pointed to injuries as the leading cause for his team’s troubles with both Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford subbed off due to injury. The pair were seen limping while leaving Wembley.

Casemiro was forced to start as a centre-back alongside Harry Maguire, who played on through injury as Willy Kambwala, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat all dropped out due to niggles.

Ten Hag revealed both the Scot and the Mancunian are doubts while both Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes are also suffering from injuries but are likely to be fit.

“We had a problem with Alejandro Garnacho, that’s why we took him off during the game but I think he will be fine. Scott McTominay we have to assess today, really doubtful.

Injuries keep rising

“Marcus Rashford is also doubtful and there was also an issue with Bruno Fernandes with the hand but I think he can make it. We have some doubts going into the game tomorrow.”

According to the former Ajax coach, it is because of such a high number of injuries that the team has failed to get over the line under pressure throughout the season.

“I know that, so first of all, the most important thing we can do to put ourselves in a winning position is by good structure and we have seen that on many occasions, we have seen by the first goal and other games but bring the game over the line.

“Some things have to do with mentality, we don’t have the tools as well. We have a back-four and have to make compromises and be really creative but we can’t sub players there as well, what you need is a full squad and you can take your messages from the side, repair things.

“It’s a matter of mentality and some game reading and an opposition takes more risk, we have to improve it, need a full squad to repair that.”

Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.