Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag lashes out at English pundits in explosive interview ahead of FA Cup final
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has lashed out at "so-called experts" in the British media during an explosive interview ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Ten Hag finds himself under huge pressure heading into Saturday's match at Wembley after a torrid second season in charge at Old Trafford.
United finished eighth in the Premier League, their worst league finish since 1990, and are at real risk of failing to qualify for European football next season.
They could still secure a place in the Europa League but must find a way to beat Premier League champions City this weekend.
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Reports on the eve of the match claimed Ten Hag is set to be sacked regardless of the result against Pep Guardiola's side.
The Guardian claim that United have already drawn up a five-man shortlist of potential replacements for Ten Hag; Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna.
If Ten Hag is sacked, it will be the most significant move made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe since INEOS purchased a minority stake in United and assumed control of football operations at the club earlier this season.
In a defiant interview with Dutch outlet Voetbal International conducted in the last fortnight but released on the morning of the final, Ten Hag said INEOS has 'directly' told him they are planning for him to remain as manager.
He also hit out at his critics in the British media, claiming they lack "the capability to analyse something with facts".
"The pundits in England want to score, they want to show they are worth the money, and for that Manchester United is an easy prey," said Ten Hag (via Fabrizio Romano).
"It's the biggest club in England and possibly in the world. The club is either loved or hated, there is no in-between.
"So when things go bad, they all start talking and talking with very big words.
"All this negativism from these so-called experts who don't have the capability to analyse something with facts, but who prefer to attack people to make themselves look better.
"And these same people were the ones who gave me a pat on the back last year.
"Last year I was able to walk on water, this year I am the worst manager in the Premier League."
Earlier this season, Ten Hag hit out at Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher over criticism of United's tactics under the Dutchman.
"Some analysts are very objective in their comments, very good advice, some are very subjective," said Ten Hag.
"Jamie Carragher, from the first moment on, has criticised and now he wants to make his point."
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, FA Cup, Football, Man City, Man Utd
Rory O'Callaghan