Erik ten Hag calls out journalist for “out of context” comment on Man United star

Erik ten Hag clarified an “out of context” comment from one journalist during his Manchester United pre-match press conference this week.

The United manager has experienced difficulties on and off the pitch this season. His team currently have the chance to save a dreadful season with a victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

In the press room, Ten Hag has attempted to plant his authority in a similar way he has done on his squad.

Journalists from the Manchester Evening News, The Sun, and The Mirror were banned from asking questions during a pre-match press conference last month following their reports and questions on the FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City.

The manager also banned a journalist from Sky Sports last season. He is not afraid to call out the press but has less leeway this term than last due to the underperforming team on the pitch.

Ten Hag squashes “out of context” comments

Bruno Fernandes conducted an interview last week where he clarified that he will think about his future after the season is finished and the European Championship is concluded.

Yet, while many took the Portuguese midfielder’s comments as suggestions that he could leave, it seemed clear that this was not the message he was trying to get across.

Fernanded even clarified that both he and the ownership have the same feeling on his future. “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides,” he said.

During Ten Hag’s pre-match press conference for the club’s visit to Crystal Palace on Monday evening, a journalist suggested to the manager that Bruno would consider leaving the club after Euro 2024.

He said: “Bruno Fernandes said in the week that he might consider leaving the club after the Euros. From your perspective, I imagine he’s absolutely a player you’d want to keep.”

Ten Hag responded with his opinion on the reaction to the interview, saying, “Absolutely. But I think that was also taken a little bit out of context. I know he spoke in Portuguese.

“Did he explain the context or additional context to you then?” asked the journalist.

“No, I haven’t even asked him. Because I know he’s Manchester United. I think he’s very happy to be here. “

Then asked whether he believes the United captain will remain at Old Trafford for the two years remaining in his contract, Ten Hag responded, “Definitely.”