Ten Hag blasts media and says winning a trophy would be âover-performingâ | Erik ten HagErik ten Hag has called negative media comments regarding Manchester Unitedâs brittle victory over Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final âa disgraceâ and insisted that his side will have over-performed if they lift the trophy. United were 3-0 ahead against the Championship side going into the 71st minute only for Coventry to force extra time, with their third goal Âcoming in the 95th minute. While United ultimately progressed to the final by winning 4-2 in a Âpenalty shootout, they received criticism for the manner of their triumph. Before Sheffield Unitedâs visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday, Ten Hag was asked if he could understand this Âreaction and made clear his feelings on the  matter. âNo. Absolutely not,â he said. âYou [the media] made enough [of it] and the question: âIs it Âembarrassing?â No, the reaction from you was Âembarrassing. 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. âWe lost control for 20 mins, we also had bad luck [at] 3-2 [with a deflected goal], 3-3 [a questionable penalty]. âPenalties were 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 [at United and Ajax], four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace.â Ten Hag has had to contend with more than 60 injuries and illnesses to players plus off-field issues Âconcerning Jadon Sancho and Antony and the uncertainty Âregarding the Glazersâ potential sale of the club. Given all of this, he was asked to rate the scale of the achievement should United win the FA Cup in a season that is almost certain to end with them missing out on Âqualification for the ÂChampions League. âI would say itâs over-over-performing with all the problems we have had,â he said. âGetting into the final is already a big achievement, but we are here for trophies. We have an opportunity to win a trophy and that is good. But we are not satisfied by being in the final, we want to win it and that is what we will go for and itâs our mentality. âThat is why we are successful. Thatâs why I am Âsuccessful over 10 years as a manager, I always bring out the maximum of each squad.â After Rasmus Højlundâs spot-kick sealed the win for United, Antony turned to Coventryâs Âplayers and taunted them by cupping his ears. This led to further criticism but Ten Hag said the Brazilian only reacted because he had been taunted by the opposition in the first place. âDid you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? [who commiserated Coventryâs players],â said the manager. âHe [Antony] was provoked. This was a reaction to that, you havenât seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it.â United are seventh before hosting the Premier Leagueâs bottom side, 16 points behind Aston Villa in fourth with six games remaining and Ten Hag has been hit with further injury concerns. âWe had a problem with [Alejandro] Garnacho â thatâs why we took him off during the game but I think he will be fine,â he said. âScott McTominay, we have to assess today â really doubtful. Marcus Rashford is also doubtful and there was also an issue with Bruno Fernandes with the hand but I think he can make it. âWe have to win every game. Thatâs what United stands for, that is our approach. Go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and [then we have] the FA Cup final.â Ten Hag met Jason Wilcox, ÂUnitedâs new technical director, for the first time on Monday. Along with the manager, the former Blackburn winger will play an instrumental role in the clubâs summer transfer business. âWe have to form a partnership as we are a little behind in the process so we will go and speed up the process,â said Ten Hag. âThis week we will not have so much time. I know his profile, a lot of experience in youth and one year at Southampton. I am looking forward to our partnership.â Source link Posted: 2024-04-23 23:07:45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|