A LOAD OF HAGWASH

The excuses are wearing thin, Erik's words just smack of utter desperation

- DAVID McDONNELL

EVER since Manchester United’s surprise FA Cup final success last season, Erik ten Hag has been in bullish, combative mode.

United’s unlikely win over Manchester City not only saved Ten Hag’s job, but emboldened him to take on any critics who dared question his record in England.

Despite overseeing United’s worst Premier League finish of eighth last season, Ten Hag believes that FA Cup triumph, coupled with his League Cup success in his debut campaign, makes him immune from criticism.

He bristled after Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool when one reporter asked him whether the mistakes continually made by his team were down to a coaching problem rather than individuals and, ultimately, his fault.