Journalists barred yet again by Erik ten Hag, three news agencies restricted from inquiring before Manchester United’s encounter with Burnley following ‘unpleasant’ coverage following FA Cup semi-final triumph over Coventry

The Dutch manager Erik ten Hag refused to allow questions from The Sun, The Mirror, and the Manchester Evening News during his pre-match press conference before United's game against Burnley.

Ten Hag Bans Journalists
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The Dutch manager, who previously took a hard stance against negative reports earlier this season, opted not to entertain questions from The Sun, The Mirror, and the Manchester Evening News during his media briefing before United’s match against Burnley. Although the journalists were present at the press conference, they were informed beforehand that they wouldn’t be given the opportunity to pose questions.

Furthermore, these outlets were barred from asking questions following United’s 4-2 triumph over Sheffield United. It’s believed that Ten Hag was displeased with their coverage following United’s tense victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final, where they narrowly secured a win on penalties after squandering a 3-0 lead. Ten Hag had criticized the media analysis of that victory as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace.” A source within United remarked, “It’s not a strict ban. We have the discretion to choose who we allow to ask questions.”

Ten Hag previously prohibited The Mirror, the MEN, Sky, and ESPN from attending a press conference in December before United’s match against Chelsea. This was due to the outlets publishing stories about a supposed dressing room rebellion against the manager without seeking the club’s perspective. This move echoes the actions of Alex Ferguson, who was notorious for banning journalists who published stories he disagreed with.

United staged a comeback to defeat Sheffield United on Wednesday, marking their first league victory since March 9. They now aim to secure another win against struggling Burnley on Saturday, hoping to string together consecutive victories.

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United

Manager: Erik ten Hag
Rank 8th
Win 16
Draw 6
Loss 13
Goals 52-55
Diff -3
Rank 4th
Win 1
Draw 1
Loss 4
Goals 12-15
Diff -3

Manchester United is currently 6th in the Premier League with 53 points.

In the last 33 games, it has won 16 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 12 times. In its last match, Manchester United won 4-2 against Sheffield United.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 51 goals and conceding 50.​

Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against Burnley on Saturday 27th of April in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.​