Roy Keane responds to Erik ten Hag’s claim that pundits are attacking him ‘to make himself look better’ – and tells Man United boss ‘it hasn’t been good enough’

Roy Keane has responded to Erik ten Hag’s criticism of football pundits in a sensational interview published ahead of the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag, who looks set to be fired from Manchester United regardless of Saturday’s result, has criticized match spokespeople for attacking him “to make himself look better”.

And former Man United captain Keane said the Dutchman was “entitled to his opinion”, and argued victory at Wembley would bring plaudits to Ten Hag’s reputation from both himself and other experts.

Keane told ITV before kick-off: “He’s entitled to his opinion! I think a lot of managers don’t like experts. I think he agrees with me…probably about the guys here,” he added before laughing.

The Irishman added: “It’s all part of the journey of being a manager, you don’t have to agree with what people say.

The Dutch manager said the game’s spokespeople attacked him “to make themselves look better”.

“Obviously we’re ex-players, I’m an ex-Man United player, and you look at the standards of where we are… but you have to be critical, you have to be fair.

“I would love nothing more than for United to come out here and win today and I would be happy to congratulate them.

“But he hasn’t been doing well enough these last few months and he has to take his medication.

“Still, give this man a chance. He’s here today trying to win the FA Cup at United.

Former Man United players Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes have all heavily criticized Man United at different points this season.

Ten Hag has already lashed out at pundits and fans and called for “patience” as the team continues its process under his leadership.

In an interview with Dutch media VI, the Dutch manager said: “The pundits in England want to score, they want to show that they are worth it, and for that, Manchester United are easy prey.

“It’s the biggest club in England and perhaps the world. The club is loved or hated, there is no in-between.

“So when things go wrong, they all start talking and saying really big words. All this negativity from these so-called experts who don’t have the ability to analyze something with facts, but would rather attack people to make themselves look better.

Former Man United players Keane and Gary Neville are among those to have criticized them.

Ten Hag slammed pundits for attacking him this season, after ‘a pat on the back last year’

“And these are the same people who congratulated me last year. Last year I was able to walk on water, this year I’m the worst manager in the Premier League.

Keane and fellow ITV pundit Ian Wright hit out at the “leaks and negativity” surrounding Ten Hag’s future ahead of kick-off.