Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come under scrutiny from fans following his team’s victory over Newport County in the FA Cup. After surviving a scare and winning the match 4-2, ten Hag’s post-match interview raised eyebrows and led fans to question his mental state.
In the interview, ten Hag seemed defensive and touchy when asked about Marcus Rashford’s absence from the game. Instead of providing a straightforward answer, he simply stated that it was an internal matter. This response left fans curious and speculating about the reasons behind Rashford’s absence.
However, it was not just ten Hag’s response to the Rashford situation that raised concerns. After the match, the Dutchman gave no credit to their League Two opponents and instead focused on complaining about Newport’s fouling. He claimed that they had “nothing” apart from the goals, disregarding their efforts on the pitch.
Pundit Micah Richards, who was watching the interview, found ten Hag’s reaction amusing and described him as “touchy”. This sentiment was echoed by fans on social media, who took the opportunity to troll ten Hag for his attitude.
Some fans questioned if the intense pressure of managing Manchester United had taken a toll on ten Hag’s mental state. One fan even suggested that Newport County had “broken” him. Others found his interview to be graceless and lacking in sportsmanship, as he failed to acknowledge Newport’s performance.
This is not the first time that ten Hag’s demeanor has been questioned by fans and pundits alike. While some see his intensity as a sign of passion and dedication, others perceive it as being overly sensitive or lacking in humility.
Regardless of fans’ opinions, Manchester United secured a fifth-round trip in the FA Cup. They will face either Nottingham Forest or Bristol City in their next match. As for ten Hag, he will need to address the concerns surrounding his attitude and approach to interviews if he wants to maintain the support of the Manchester United fanbase.