Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer respond to criticism following controversial BBC interview with Erik ten Hag
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer spoke to Erik ten Hag following Manchester United's FA Cup victory over Manchester City.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have hit back at criticism of their intense post-match interview with Erik ten Hag following Manchester United's FA Cup triumph.
Man United stunned Manchester City as they secured a 2-1 victory to win the FA Cup last Saturday.
After the result, Ten Hag spoke to the BBC and ITV, who both broadcasted the Wembley Stadium showpiece in the UK.
On ITV, the Dutchman was fired up as he had a swipe at Roy Keane's managerial career.
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He also spoke to BBC, where he was grilled by Lineker and Shearer over his Man United future.
But the former forwards have defended themselves after receiving criticism for the way they conducted the post-match interview.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "People took a bit of umbrage to our questioning and your answer to Erik ten Hag.
"He came over and he didn't seem very happy right from the start. I think he also had a pop at Roy Keane, so he obviously had something in his mind when he came over.
"I asked the question, 'Do you think you've been unfairly treated by pundits, and even us?' Obviously, it's our job to be critical on occasion, we have to say what we think. And then he replied saying 'definitely', and then you challenged him, didn't you?'"
Shearer added: "Yeah. He's entitled to have a pop back because he's been criticised at times and I think rightly so, because his team have been miles off it. They've been poor.
"They've had a disastrous season in terms of the league. I don't think any Man Utd fan would argue that. To finish eighth, to finish with the number of goals they've conceded, shots against, it's embarrassing.
"So, for all of those things we've had to criticise them this season. If we didn't, we wouldn't be doing our job. But he's entitled to have the hump with people who he feels are being unfair, but I felt I was well within my rights [to say what I said]."
Despite winning a second piece of silverware in as many years since his appointment at Old Trafford, Ten Hag is at risk of being dismissed.
It comes after his side endured a torrid Premier League campaign as they finished in eighth place.
Topics: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Manchester United
Nasir Jabbar