MANCHESTER United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that his side deserved to beat Coventry and reach the final of the FA Cup and branded the reaction that trailed the tense victory ’embarrassing’.
Second-tier Coventry City came from 3-0 down to draw level at 3-3, scoring thrice in the final 20 minutes of regulation time and taking the game to extra-time and a penalty shootout.
Manchester United conceded a late ‘goal’ in extra-time that was ruled out for offside after Video Assistant Referee reviews but went on to win 4-2 on penalties.
Fans, pundits and journalists condemned Manchester United’s sloppy display, especially the embarrassing loss of a three-goal lead to a lower league side, most calling for Ten Hag to be sacked.
When, during his pre-match press conference today ahead of tomorrow night’s Premier League fixture against Sheffield United, Ten Hag was asked if he felt embarrassed by his team’s performance on Sunday, the Dutchman was in a combative mood.
“No. Absolutely not. No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. It is the comments,” he fired back.
“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.”
Ten Hag did admit that his side should have done better but insisted that there was a negative overreaction that followed the match.
“We lost control for 20 minutes, 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,” he noted.
“Twice. (in the FA Cup final) in two years is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace.”
Victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May or a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League would guarantee a UEFA Europa League or Conference League spot for Manchester United, and Ten Hag is going after a spot in Europe for next season.
“Yes, we want to qualify for Europe but we have to win every game,” he added.
“That’s what Manchester 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.”
