Ten Hag strode into the Jimmy Murphy Centre at Carrington ready to hit back

Erik ten Hag strode into the Jimmy Murphy Centre at Carrington yesterday ready to hit back.

The assembled media didn't know it yet; Ten Hag is typically calm and measured in his responses. On Tuesday, irked by what he saw as an overreaction to their penalty shootout win over Coventry City, he wanted to come out swinging.

Asked with the opening question if he understood the reaction, the criticism, that came with coughing up a 3-0 lead to scrape by second tier Coventry City on penalties at Wembley, the United boss said: 'Absolutely not.

'You made (asked) the question, "is it embarrassing?" No, the reaction from you was embarrassing. The comments are a disgrace.

'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 minutes, we also had bad luck for 3-2 and 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, clear.

'We were not happy with it. I can see the fans are not happy with it as well, but they get fed by opinions. But all over, what I heard is that the fans are very happy we are again in the FA Cup final.

'Even for Manchester United, it is not business as usual. They were not so often in the FA Cup final.

'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, five cup finals in four years.'

Finally, Ten Hag snapped. All the pressure which has been escalating since this season began finally told.

Now, with the End Game seemingly in sight, Ten Hag is refusing to go quietly.

Pressure won't suddenly cease either. It's basement boys Sheffield United at home this evening, on paper a game United should - much as they should have done against Coventry - win comfortably.

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