Erik ten Hag bluffed when answering embarrassing question about Manchester United tenure

Erik ten Hag was in good form after Manchester United's win against Newcastle, so it wasn't a surprise he arrived at his press conference the next day with a spring in his step.

Ten Hag entered the Jimmy Murphy building at Carrington with a smile and looked jovial as he scanned the front row to see which journalist would ask the first question.

As is common, the press conference began with an update on team news and Ten Hag answered questions on a range of talking points such as Sofyan Amrabat, Amad, the threat Brighton could pose on Sunday and Marcus Rashford's heated exchange with a fan on Wednesday.

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The second half of the press conference was embargoed and that started with a suggestion that United competing in the Europa Conference League could be embarrassing.

Approaching the final day of the Premier League season, United and Newcastle both have 57 points, but Eddie Howe's side have a significantly better goal difference.

United play Brighton and Newcastle will take on Brentford. The Reds must better Newcastle's result in London to qualify for the Conference League. However, that will be made redundant if they win the FA Cup later this month as that guarantees entry into the Europa League.

“I never think in a negative scenario. We have the opportunity left in our own hands, so go for it," said Ten Hag.

It was put across that qualifying for the Conference League would increase the challenge of attracting the best players in the summer transfer market. “As I say, I’m a positive man and we have it in our own hands, so we have to go for it," Ten Hag reiterated.

“I