A furious Erik ten Hag has hit out at the criticism of Manchester United which followed their FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City, calling it “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.
United teed up a second successive FA Cup final clash with Manchester City on Sunday, beating Coventry 4-2 on penalties at the end of a classic tie which finished 3-3 after 120 minutes, but pundits and fans have been unforgiving regarding their performance.
The Red Devils squandered a 3-0 lead and were only saved from a humiliating 4-3 defeat by the most marginal of offside calls in the last minute of extra time, as Victor Torp’s potential winner was chalked off.
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Former United captain Roy Keane said Ten Hag’s players looked “embarrassed to win” the game, adding that the Red Devils’ current team is “hard to like”.
Speaking at a press conference to preview Wednesday’s Premier League game against Sheffield United, Ten Hag hit back at what he perceived as overly negative media coverage.
“We let them back in [to the game] far too easily.”
💬 @HarryMaguire93 speaks earnestly following today’s #FACup semi-final…#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 21, 2024
Asked if there was a hint of embarrassment about the way United beat Coventry, Ten Hag said: “No. Absolutely not.
“You made enough with the question; ‘is it embarrassing?’ No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. It is the comments.
“Top-level football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it, not only on this game but also the other games.
“We lost control for 20 minutes, we also had bad luck, then it’s 3-2 and 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, that’s clear.
“Our penalties were very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice in two years, that is magnificent. For me as a manager, it’s four cup finals in four years.
“The comments are a disgrace.”
Ten Hag was also asked about Antony’s celebrations, after the winger was roundly criticised for cupping his ears to Coventry’s players at the end of the shoot-out.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand is among those to have taken aim at Antony’s actions, but Ten Hag insists the Brazilian was provoked by Coventry’s players.
Antony yesterday…. Embarrasing!
“That don’t happen here man” pic.twitter.com/Rf2qQ6AJHj
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 22, 2024
“He was provoked, this was a reaction to that. You haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it,” Ten Hag said.
“I saw Harry Maguire straight afterwards and the others, we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry and their comeback.
“We totally dominated the game for 70 minutes and at 3-0 the game should have been closed, but to come back from their side was very good.”
