Erik ten Hag sends message to Manchester United fans calling for him to be sacked after Coventry City scare

Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure at Manchester United (Picture: beIN SPORTS)

Erik ten Hag says he respects the opinion of Manchester United fans calling for him to be sacked but has reminded them of the team’s success during his tenure.

The Premier League giants needed penalties to see off an astonishing comeback from Championship side Coventry in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

United were in cruise control at 3-0 up but conceded three goals in the final 20 minutes to be taken to extra-time by a team 21 places below them in the English football pyramid.

Despite seeing their side progress to back-to-back FA Cup finals, a number of Manchester United fans were concerned rather than pleased with the Coventry win and what it says for Ten Hag’s reign.

Ten Hag was appointed before the 2022-23 campaign and United enjoyed a promising first season under the Dutchman, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the EFL Cup.

But Manchester United have stagnated during the current campaign, slipping to seventh in the table and struggling to beat Coventry with a display that highlighted more issues for Ten Hag’s side.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes the stuttering semi-final performance will cost Ten Hag his job and a large section of the club’s fans agree.

United needed penalties to see off Coventry City (Picture: Getty)

Asked about the supporters who want him out of Old Trafford, Ten Hag told beIN SPORTS: ‘They can have their opinion.

‘But I would say, in the decade when Man United were very successful, they only achieved the FA Cup final three times and now we have done it two times in two seasons. We are in there and that’s a huge performance.’

Pressed on whether Manchester United had to win the FA Cup for it to be considered a successful campaign, Ten Hag added: ‘I want to win it.

‘I’m sure we have a good chance to win this final, although we play the best team in the world. We do have a chance though. We showed that this season.

‘This season has had many ups but also many downs. Winning the FA Cup doesn’t make it successful, we want to win more.

‘We have been in three finals in two years, which is good, but we had a lot of setbacks this season.

‘We’ve had a lot of injuries and hopefully those players can be back for the final. If we go with a squad who believe then we have a chance to win a trophy.’

Awaiting Manchester United in the FA Cup final is Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who are bidding to win a domestic double and a fourth successive Premier League title.

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