Erik ten Hag has described the media reaction to Manchester United's performance in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry as "a disgrace," defending his team's achievement in reaching a second consecutive final.
United gave up a 3-0 lead at Wembley Stadium on Sunday and was only saved from a humiliating defeat in extra time by a VAR intervention that ruled out a goal for offside in the dying moments.
They eventually won on penalties against the Championship side, setting up a rematch with City from the previous year's final.
However, he has received widespread criticism, which has led to speculation that he is on borrowed time at Old Trafford.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton predicted the performance would "cement his sacking."
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But Ten Hag was defiant on Wednesday, the eve of United's Premier League match against bottom-placed Sheffield United.
"You asked, 'Is it embarrassing?'" "No, your reaction was embarrassing," he told reporters Tuesday.
"It is the comments. Top football is about results. We made it to the final, and we deserved it not only because of this game but also because of the other games.
"We lost control for 20 minutes and also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, it is clear. The penalties were very good, and 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 is magnificent.
"The comments are a disgrace."
United, winless in their past four Premier League games, is in danger of missing out on a European spot after a poor campaign next season.
They are already out of the running to qualify for the lucrative Champions League but still have the Europa League and Europa Conference League to compete for.
"We know that we have to win every game," said Ten Hag. That's what United stands for, and that is our approach: go from game to game, but we have to qualify for Europe, and we now have two opportunities—in the league and the FA Cup final."
Ten Hag stated that he will work closely with newly appointed technical director Jason Wilcox to determine the club's future direction.
Wilcox, 53, has left second-tier Southampton to take the Old Trafford job immediately.
"We have to form a partnership, which is very important," said Ten Hag. We are a little bit behind in the process, so we have to catch up, and we will speed up the process."
