“Has lost the plot himself” - Chris Sutton hits out at Manchester United boss Ten Hag for bullish claim after FA Cup win amid exit rumors
Chris Sutton has hit out at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag following his bullish claim in the wake of his side's triumph in the FA Cup last weekend. The pundit believes the Red Devils boss has already lost the plot as speculation continues about his future at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag managed to get one over critics and ensured Manchester United finished the season on an encouraging note as he led the Red Devils to a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday (May 25).
After the final whistle, the Dutchman appeared in an interview with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer on Sky Sports. He was asked by the former whether he feels he's been treated unfairly by the media this season amid rumors of a potential exit.
The tactician explained why he thinks the criticism leveled against him by the media has been unjust. Chris Sutton isn't entirely impressed by Ten Hag's defense of himself and has hit out at the Dutch tactician.
"He [Ten Hag] staunchly defended himself over the weekend. I thought he was quite emotional at times and he does seem to be a good bloke," the pundit told Mail Sport's It's All Kicking Off! podcast. But the bottom line is towards the end of the season I think he knows he's a goner."
"He's fighting hard but some of the things he said, I think that he's actually losing the plot or has lost the plot himself. He called them one of the most dynamic and attractive teams in the Premier League or something along those lines. I mean, that's Double Dutch, Erik," he added.
Although the FA Cup win was great for Manchester United, their eighth-place finish in the Premier League is underwhelming. This has put the manager in a difficult situation with his job now hanging on the line.
Manchester United to make a decision on Erik ten Hag's future
With the season having come to an end, the Red Devils are expected to make a decision regarding Erik ten Hag's continuity at the club. It will definitely be a huge one and contrasting rumors are already making the rounds.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United will relieve the Dutchman of his duties this summer. As per this report, the club's new stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group have concluded on parting ways with the coach.
Contrary to this, Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst reports that the club could decide to retain the services of the former Ajax boss. As per the story, the Red Devils have not ruled out Ten Hag's continuing at the club and have informed potential candidates of this decision.