Erik Ten Hag 'can't be bothered' by criticism of his Manchester United tenure

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag "can't be bothered" with criticism of the job he is doing at Old Trafford and claims he has only been able to pick his strongest team once in 18 months.

The Dutchman delivered an encouraging first season, winning the League Cup and finishing in the top four, but this campaign has been far more difficult.

They were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage and are in a battle to finish in the top six in the Premier League, with his position coming under scrutiny following Jim Ratcliffe’s minority purchase and takeover of the football operations.

United can salvage their season by winning the FA Cup and they aim to reach a second successive final when they host Championship side Coventry City on Sunday.

Ten Hag insists he shuts out the noise when it comes to speculation on his future.

"I don’t put energy into this, if I’m judged fairly or not," he said. "I know what we are doing here, why I’m here, to bring trophies, to also create economic value, so we are working on those and in a process you have setbacks.

"I look at this and can see it realistically, so I see the nuance, some comments miss that, but I can’t be bothered about it, can’t go into emotions.

"I see it realistic, rationale, and I’m only focussing on my team, to improve the team and individuals. That’s what I’m here for."

United have had injury problems to deal with and the Dutchman says the home win over Manchester City last year was the only time he had a full squad to choose from.

"I don’t have any concern about what is said on the outside," he said. "What concerns me is that in 18 months I have never had my favourite team on the pitch.

"That concerns me. Because the players are injured. One time (I could pick my