Ten Hag slams 'embarrassing' and 'disgraceful' reaction to Man Utd's win over Coventry

Erik ten Hag is furious with the reaction to Manchester United’s defeat of Coventry (Picture: Getty)

An irate Erik ten Hag has hit out at what he feels has been an ’embarrassing’ and ‘disgraceful’ reaction to Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry in the media.

United had appeared to be cruising towards the final after Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes found the net to give the Red Devils’ a three-goal advantage at Wembley.

But Ten Hag’s men capitulated with 20 minutes remaining of Sunday’s thrilling contest, as Ellis Simms and Callum O’Hare found the target before Haji Wright converted a last-gasp penalty to force extra-time.

Coventry fans were sent into a frenzy when Victor Torp beat Andre Onana in the dying moments of extra-time as the Championship outfit appeared to have pulled off one of the great upsets, only for VAR to disallow to strike for offside.

United prevailed on penalties to book their place in next month’s final against holders Manchester City but the side’s performance has been heavily criticised over the last 48 hours, with Ten Hag even forced to defend his position shortly after the final whistle.

Speaking ahead of United’s return to Premier League action against lowly Sheffield United, Ten Hag labelled the fallout from Sunday’s match a ‘disgrace’.

Asked whether he understood the media reaction to United’s display, the Dutchman replied: ‘No, absolutely not. Is it embarrassing? No, the reactions from you [the media] was embarrassing. It is, the comments.

The Red Devils beat their Championship opposition on penalties at Wembley (Picture: Getty)

‘Top football is about results and we made it to final. We deserved it, not only by this game but also the other games.

‘We lost control for 20 minutes, also we had bad luck at 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end… penalties was very good and we made it through to the final and that is a huge achievement.

‘Twice in two years, that’s magnificent. For me, as a manager, four cup finals in four years so the comments are a disgrace.’

The United boss defended Antony’s reaction to the victory (Picture: Getty)

While conceding that there is plenty of room for improvement going forward, Ten Hag insists he had been hamstrung by the injuries that have savaged his squad this season.

‘The most important thing we can do to put ourselves in winning positions is by good structure and we have seen that on many occasions. Really good structure, as you see for instance with the first goal but also in other games,’ the United manager added.

‘But then, of course, you have to bring the game over the line and there are more issues. Something to do with mentality, something to do with physics… we don’t have the tools in the moment as well.

United will face bitter rivals City in this year’s final (Picture: Getty)

‘We have a back four and we have to make compromises, be really creative, to construct that back four but then we can’t replace players there. What you need is a full squad and then you can take your messages from the side.

‘But also, it’s a matter of mentality, also some game reading when opponents take more risks.

‘We have to improve and also you need a full squad to repair that.’

Antony’s behaviour in the immediate aftermath of United’s win has been slammed by the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Lee Sharpe, with the Brazilian pictured cupping his ears towards Coventry’s dejected players at Wembley.

However, Ten Hag jumped tp Antony’s defence, insisting the forward had been ‘provoked’.

‘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. But he should not do it,’ Ten Hag continued.

‘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.’

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