‘Don’t get the huff!’ – Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United press conference outburst splits opinion on talkSPORT

Erik ten Hag’s angry response to the media following Manchester United’s win over Coventry led to a heated exchange on talkSPORT Breakfast.

The Red Devils boss branded the press “embarrassing” and “disgraceful” following the reaction to their FA Cup semi-final victory over the Championship side on penalties.

United came under scrutiny for blowing a three-goal lead at Wembley, before eventually setting up a final clash with Manchester City after sealing victory in a penalty shootout.

And Ten Hag in particular received backlash – especially after his antics in the post-match press conference.

His reaction divided opinion between former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor and broadcaster Shebahn Aherne.

Aherne was quick to defend Ten Hag, believing he was right to hit back at the media after guiding his side to back-to-back FA Cup finals.

But Agbonlahor wasn’t having it, as the former Aston Villa captain said: “Once you start having outbursts in the press it doesn’t end well for you.”

Aherne replied: “Absolutely. But Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) banned the press.

“He has every right to be asked the question ‘Do you think it’s embarrassing?’ to answer the press. That’s what they’re for.

“How do they have the right to ask disrespectful questions?”

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In response, Agbonlahor said: “There is no problem in going back to the press, but I think once you go to the press it only ends one way, especially if your team is not performing at the level it should be.”

Speaking, former United striker Alan Brazil commented: “It’s about handling the press, Shebahn, it’s not all black and white.”

Continuing his argument, Agbonlahor continued: “Fergie did it, but they were at the top, fighting for league titles, fighting for Champions Leagues.

“Now they are far from the top four, no chance of winning the Champions League, if you come out and have tantrums at the press they will finish you off.”

Brazil, seeking to calm Aherne down, joked, “Don’t worry,” leading her to retort, saying, “I don’t understand!”

“I just don’t understand why you say it’s a Ten Hag outburst, he was asked a question and he answered it. He said you were embarrassing.

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“Pep (Guardiola) moans all the time, (Jurgen) Klopp moans all the time, he picks on you (points to Agbonlahor).

“Erik ten Hag, because there is so much pressure on him and he is the manager of Manchester United, should just sit down and fight the press.”

Having the last word, Brazil added: “For now, the Manchester United manager doesn’t last.”