Erik ten Hag issues further punishment to Manchester United journalists who “crossed the line”

Erik ten Hag has issued further punishment to those journalists he feels have “crossed the line” in recent weeks regarding speculation surrounding his Manchester United future.

Erik ten Hag has waged a war with journalists following Manchester United in recent weeks, following intense speculation surrounding his future.

INEOS are currently assessing their options as Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers changing the Old Trafford manager for the 2024/25 season. Names such as Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi, and Thomas Tuchel are heavily linked to the job.

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In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Sheffield United tie, Ten Hag brandished the reaction and coverage of United’s FA Cup semi-final a “disgrace”.

Asked about the performance being embarrassing once again in his latest press conference, Ten Hag snapped: “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 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.”

And now, according to The Telegraph, Ten Hag has issued a further punishment to those journalists he has deemed to have crossed too far with their coverage.

The report states that the Dutch manager refused to take questions from a number of journalists who criticised him both during and after the FA Cup win.

It further explains that Ten Hag feels some of the opinions and reporting surrounding his future as the club’s manager have “crossed the line”, and he believes it to be disrespectful.

“After matches, Premier League managers speak to the written press after broadcast rights-holders, with journalists often signalling before being prompted by a press officer to ask their question,” Mike McGrath stated.

“The journalists who Ten Hag was upset by were in the press auditorium but were not invited to quiz him after the 4-2 win against the Premier League’s bottom club on Wednesday evening.”

Earlier this season, Ten Hag banned three journalists from a pre-match press conference in December for reporting that he had lost the United dressing room at the club, with players questioning his playing style and treatment of Jadon Sancho.