Erik ten Hag has been compared to Jurgen Klopp by angry Manchester United fans following his claim about David de Gea's distribution against Real Betis.
De Gea's distribution in Man United's 4-1 win over Betis came under fire, with a fail comp highlighting his misplaced passes during the Europa League last-16 first-leg tie.
But Ten Hag has jumped to the defence of the Spanish goalkeeper, suggesting the wind and a different ball made an impact on the night at Old Trafford.
Advert
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: "I can't ignore it, but I think we have seen many games he did really well. I don't know why, or [what] the reason today [yesterday] was. There was a lot of wind, it's a different ball, he probably had some problems with that.
"I know he can deal with it and he will do Sunday better."
He added: "We work on that [de Gea's distribution]; David is working on that. But I think we have seen, in the season, that he is improving, and he will keep improving, I am sure."
Advert
The Dutch boss mentioning the wind and a different ball didn't go down well among some Man United supporters online as they compared him to Klopp, who has previously made 'excuses'.
One Twitter user wrote: "Nah he said the wind? He’s moving like Klopp now just to defend the worst keeper in the league? We’re finished."
A second tweeted: "Sounds like Klopp."
A third added: "Ten Hag spent too much time with Klopp on Sunday."
A fourth bemoaned: "Wind ??? I have seen this somewhere don’t give me Klopp vibes."
Advert
Another said: "Wind? So what was the excuse against Barcelona?"
Despite his shaky performance in net, De Gea will likely start against Southampton on Sunday when Man United resume their Premier League campaign.
It will be their first game in the league since their 7-0 annihilation at the hands of Liverpool.
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Manchester United, Football, David De Gea
Nasir Jabbar