“Not sharp…” Journalist reveals hilarious dig Erik ten Hag took before Manchester United press conference

One journalist has revealed a hilarious dig that Erik ten Hag took at the media during his Manchester United press conference on Tuesday morning.

Erik ten Hag has developed a rather frosty relationship with reporters in recent months as Manchester United manager, with the Dutchman quick to discipline those whom he feels step out of line.

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.

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His style of punishment has been consistent with both players and journalists when it comes to what he believes is right or wrong. The manager only accepts apologies as a way back – Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho can attest to this.

A top-class dig

Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst has revealed that as Ten Hag arrived for his pre-match press conference for the Sheffield United game, the Dutchman said, “Good morning,” correcting some who said, “Good afternoon.”

Although Ten Hag no doubt said this in jest, as he often does with reporters, his next line was certainly less so as he took a hilarious dig at those in the room.

“Sharp. I notice not everyone is sharp here,” Ten Hag commented. When he was asked who in the room was not sharp, he retorted, “Oh, the majority, I would say.”

Ten Hag’s comments should not come as much of a surprise, as he went on to blast those who reacted negatively to United’s latest victory.

BBC reporter Simon Stone asked Ten Hag’s first question of the press conference, questioning whether he thought the reaction to United’s recent penalty shootout win over Coventry City was fair. Ten Hag labelled the reaction from the media in front of him as “embarrassing” and “a disgrace.”

“No. Absolutely not,” he said. “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 the final, and we deserved it not only for this game but also for 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. The penalties were 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.”