Erik ten Hag has defended his Manchester United players after the club were hit with an FA charge of failing to control their players.
Nine United players surrounded referee Craig Pawson, to complain that Cristiano Ronaldo's 49th minute goal should have been allowed to stand in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle at Old Trafford. Ronaldo's effort was ruled out, which enraged Ten Hag and United's players, with the FA issuing the charge in the wake of the incident.
But ahead of United's game against Tottenham tomorrow, Ten Hag defended his players and insisted their reaction towards Pawson was not over the top.
“My response to the charge?” said Ten Hag. “I must say I don't think it was too strong, it wasn't really aggressive, but I don't know what's happening exactly on the pitch, I was too far away.
“I saw it back on the video. There was a touch from the Newcastle player, quite clearly, and they went to the ref to ask about it.”
Asked whether the actions of his players showed a lack of respect for Pawson, Ten Hag said: “First of all, I want to express that we have always accepted the refs decisions.
“But it's also quite normal you ask why in the moment. It was a curious incident, so you ask as a team 'why?'
“My view is finally, quite quickly, you have to accept it, because it's the referee's decision, you accept it and have to move on.
“We're an example for amateurs, for youth, for pro players, quite clearly, so we have to know our role and it's also about pro football and a decision like this.
“It was quite obvious the player touched the ball from Newcastle and our players took advantage of it. When you explain, it has to be quite soon.”
Ten Hag also said Ronaldo must convince him he can score if he wants to keep his place or stay on the pitch.
Ronaldo made clear his dismay when subbed in the second-half of the stalemate with Eddie Howe's side.
“I think no player is happy when he comes off, especially Ronaldo,” said Ten Hag. “I understand that, as long as it's a quiet normal way, but he has to convince that he should stay on.”
Injury-wise, United are still without Anthony Martial, while a decision has yet to be made on Christian Eriksen, who missed the Newcastle game through illness, although he is back in training.
“Martial is not available, he's back on the pitch but not in the team training,” said Ten Hag. “Eriksen returned in the team training today and we have to see tomorrow if he has the energy to play.”
