Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will look ahead to Wednesday night’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United at Old Trafford when he addresses the media at Carrington today.
Following Sunday’s slender FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City at Wembley, United will be desperate to produce a much-improved showing against the rock-bottom Blades. United have failed to win any of their last four league outings, last recording a three-point haul on March 9.
As a result, United will be desperate to get their league campaign back on track following a period of stagnation. United also need to produce a much-improved performance compared to those they have served up in recent weeks.
Amid a run of poor results and uninspiring performances, pressure is mounting on Ten Hag ahead of what promises to be a summer of change. Ten Hag will no doubt be quizzed on his future once again today.
As well as that, he will also issue an update on United’s injury crisis. Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford were both forced off at Wembley on Sunday.
Follow the live blog below for all the very latest from Ten Hag’s pre-match press call at Carrington:
12:51Key Event
FULL STORY: Ten Hag hits back at critics after Coventry win
Erik ten Hag has described the reaction to Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final progression as “embarrassing” and “a disgrace”.
United squandered a 3-0 lead against Championship side Coventry City and were taken to a penalty shootout which they won 4-2. That, understandably, prompted a negative reaction, despite United reaching their second consecutive FA Cup final.
The United manager, speaking this lunchtime, said:
“No. Absolutely not. “You made enough and one the question: ‘is it embarrassing?’ No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. It is the comments. Top football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it not only by this game but also the other games. We lost control for 20 minutes, we also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, clear. Penalties was very good and we made it to the final. It is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace.”
Click here to read more.
12:29George Smith
That’s a wrap!
That is all from the first part of Erik ten Hag’s pre-match press conference. Stay tuned to the MEN website for more stories and reaction.
12:27George Smith
Ten Hag insists officials deserve respect amid Nottingham Forest saga
“You can’t do that. You can agree, you can disagree. The handball for [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka is totally wrong, a mistake but you can’t question it. So it’s not good for the game and the refereeing we should respect them and there is no respect.”
12:24George Smith
Ten Hag addresses United’s lack of focus
“I know that, so first of all, the most important thing we can do to put ourselves in a winning position is by good structure and we have seen that on many occasions, we have seen by the first goal and other games but bring the game over the line, some things have to do with mentality, physics, we don’t have the tools as well. We have a back-four and have to make compromises and be really creative but we can’t sub players there as well, what you need is a full squad and you can take your messages from the side, repair things, it’s a matter of mentality and some game reading and an opposition takes more risk, we have to improve it, need a full squad to repair that.”
12:23George Smith
Ten Hag addresses Wilcox’s arrival
“Very close, we have to form a partnership, very impressed, we are a little behind in the process so we will go and speed up the process. I met him yesterday for the first time, this week we will not have so much time and I know his profile, a lot of experience in youth and one year at Southampton, I am looking forward to our partnership.”
12:21Key Event
Ten Hag responds to Antony’s post-match antics vs Coventry
“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He was provocated, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it. 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.”
12:19George Smith
Ten Hag addresses European hopes
“Yes, but we have to win every game. That’s what United stands for, that is our approach, go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and we have two opportunities in the league and the FA Cup final.”
12:18Key Event
Ten Hag shares more bad injury news
“We had a problem with Alejandro Garnacho, that’s why we took him off during the game but I think he will be fine. Scott McTominay we have to assess today, really doubtful. Marcus Rashford is also doubtful and there was also an issue with Bruno Fernandes with the hand but I think he can make it. We have some doubts going into the game tomorrow.”
12:16Key Event
Ten Hag describes Coventry criticism as a ‘disgrace’
“No. Abolutely not. You made enough and one the question: “is it embarrassing? No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. It is the comments. Top football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it not only by this game but also the other games. We lost control for 20 mins, we also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, clear. Penalties was very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years- is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup final in four years. The comments are a disgrace.”
12:15George Smith
Here is Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag is in position and are we about to begin.
12:00Tyrone Marshall
OPINION: United might be forced into making milestone decision as injuries mount
“With just two days to recover before Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United, there is a race against time for those three to prove their fitness, while Erik ten Hag will hope some of his dozen or so casualties can return for the visit of the Blades. Willy Kambwala, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount all joined the injury list last week. Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw remain out long-term and Anthony Martial is unlikely to play again before his contract expires.”
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall ahead of the press conference.
11:40George Smith
What time will Ten Hag speak today?
We will bring you quotes from Erik ten Hag once the embargo on his press conference has been lifted, which is set to be 12.15pm.
Stay tuned.
11:20George Smith
United’s underwhelming league form
United have not won in the Premier League since beating Everton 2-0 on March 9, meaning they head into tomorrow night’s clash with Sheffield United winless in four league games.
To make matters even worse, their win over Everton is their only league triumph in their last seven matches. United simply must beat the bottom of the table Blades, who conceded four times at home to Burnley on Saturday.
Anything less than three points and a polished performance will be frowned upon. The prospect of failing to beat Chris Wilder’s men will result in yet more difficult questions for Erik ten Hag to answer.
11:00George Smith
Kick-off time confirmed for FA Cup final
If you missed the announcement a short time ago, next month’s FA Cup final between United and City at Wembley will kick-off at 3pm.
The decision has been made between clubs, local authority, members of the Safety Advisory Group [SAG] and broadcasters. United progressed to the final with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Coventry City on Sunday, having earlier blown a 3-0 lead.
Their reward is a second consecutive FA Cup final against their cross-city rivals, who beat Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday.
Click here to read the full details.
10:36George Smith
What will be on the agenda today?
Erik ten Hag is due to speak to the media a little later on. Here is a snippet of what subjects could be up for discussion:
- His future
- Injuries
- Antony’s reaction at Wembley after winning on penalties
- Sheffield United
- Their league form
George Smith
Welcome along!
Hello and welcome along to the MEN’s live coverage of Erik ten Hag’s pre-match press conference from Carrington.
The United boss will preview tomorrow night’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United at Old Trafford.
You can follow this live blog for all the very latest as it happens.
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
