Ten Hag brands reaction to Man Utd's FA Cup semi win 'a disgrace' - ESPN

MANCHESTER, England — Erik ten Hag has branded the negative reaction to Manchester United reaching a second successive FA Cup final as «a disgrace.»

United needed penalties to beat Coventry City on Sunday despite at one stage leading the Championship side 3-0.

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Ten Hag's team eventually did enough to earn a place in the final, where they will play Manchester City, and the Dutchman said he cannot understand the fall-out from the performance.

«No, absolutely not,» Ten Hag said at a news conference when asked whether he could understand the overwhelmingly negative reaction to the display against Coventry.

«One question was: 'Is it embarrassing?' No, the reaction from you [the media] was embarrassing.

»Top football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it, not only by this game but also the other games. We lost control for 20 minutes, we also had bad luck. We were very lucky in the end, it is clear.

«We made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice in two years is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace.»

Ten Hag also defended Antony's celebrations following United's winning penalty in the shootout

The Brazil winger, who came on as a second-half substitute, was seen cupping his ear towards the Coventry players after Rasmus Højlund converted the decisive kick.

However, Ten Hag said Antony had been provoked into his reaction and pointed to Harry Maguire, who immediately consoled the Coventry players after the final whistle, as proof his side remained respectful of their opponents.

"[Antony] was provoked," Ten Hag said. «That's why this was a reaction of that. You haven't seen the provocation, only