Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's awkward exchange with reporter has been proven wrong

"Don't push me, you're on television. It doesn't look good being handled by security, Manchester United are a big club," Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill said, as he attempted to get a soundbite from Erik ten Hag at Selhurst Park in May last year.

It was the final day of the season and Ten Hag had just watched Crystal Palace defeat United 1-0 from the stands. He sat with assistants Mitchell van der Gaag, Steve McClaren and football director John Murtough, and wanted to make a quick exit.

After the full-time whistle, security escorted Ten Hag to the club-chartered BMW and Cotterill was patiently waiting. The reporter then attempted to get a response from the Dutchman, who stoically marched to the vehicle instead.

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The awkward exchange quickly went viral and divided opinion on social media. The majority empathised with Ten Hag and argued he did not have to answer questions in a car park, whilst others said a few words wouldn't have taken much effort.

Cotterill was unsurprisingly in the latter camp. The reporter took to social media after the encounter and he posted a picture of himself alongside Louis van Gaal from when he was appointed as David Moyes' successor at Old Trafford in 2014.

He wrote: "A Dutch manager’s reaction to being asked a question in the street by sky reporter AFTER getting the Manchester United job. But BEFORE taking up the role. No not ten Hag. This was May 2014. Look and learn."

Prior to his appointment, it had been suggested Ten Hag's personality might become a problem during his time in Manchester. The media in Amsterdam referred to his press conference appearances and warned he was a succinct communicator.

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