Erik ten Hag slams 'forgetful' Man Utd legends and pundits as boss comes out fighting

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has slammed his critics and came out fighting following his side's draw against Burnley.

The Red Devils could only draw with the Clarets after Zeki Amdouni's late penalty, but that did not stop the Dutch boss from coming out swinging in defence. Ten Hag took aim at former United players and pundits, whilst also defending his decision-making after he was booed for replacing Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund, with the scores level after 65 minutes.

Despite the crowd's disapproval, United were able to find the lead when Antony pounced on a loose-ball to fire past Arijanet Muric. Andre Onana's clumsy foul allowed Burnley to earn a point from the spot.

Nevertheless Ten Hag was not afraid to defend himself. "I am the manager and have to decide what the team needs," said the 54-year-old.

"It was the right decision and totally logical to bring off very young players who are in their first year of the Premier League and feel some fatigue. They have both had injuries this season and I want to protect them.

"Fans need patience. I understand they want to see the skills of these players but the league gets more intense year by year and the youngsters need to adjust. That takes time."

Ten Hag then took aim at United's former players, seeming to suggest that the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes should remember their own period of struggle. Man United's boss identified a season where the club finished third.

Roy Keane has often criticised Manchester United
(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

"They forget, 2004-05, they also didn’t play that great football," he said. "They are building and it takes time but everyone forgets, even the players who were in the team, they forget they were struggling. You need time to progress.

"We are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment. We are creating loads of chances by playing good football. Yes, we concede also. We have to learn from it because it was unnecessary to lose the control".

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