'Ten Hag is getting more forceful in his defence of performances'

Chief football news reporter Simon Stone
  • Published

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions.

One fan asked what he made of Erik ten Hag's latest pronouncements on Manchester United versus Coventry City, picking fights with media and making claims on the entertainment his team provides?

Simon replied: Well, on the entertainment front, he’s not wrong is he? Manchester United are entertaining. But I am not sure conceding late goals and making games that seemed to be won full of jeopardy is the kind of entertainment their fans want.

On the ‘picking fights’ front, he is perfectly entitled to his view. He has to defend his position. I just feel on the Coventry game there was a difference of opinion. Ten Hag admitted United made mistakes – but they got through, which is the main thing. I, and colleagues in the media, felt being 3-0 up against a lower league side and only avoiding being knocked out by a marginal (correct) VAR offside decision was embarrassing for a club of that size.

It is clear Ten Hag is getting more forceful in his defence of performances and results. That is a sign of pressure. It is also a sign that a decision will soon be made on his future.

See more of the Q&A with Simon

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