The treatment of Erik Ten Haag. Needless. Tasteless.

Just when Ten Haag and his battle scared team of apparent ‘pariahs’ got ready to duel with their cross city rivals in this Sunday’s FA cup final, the crows were already their to feast on the carcass. And after the game both player and manager were poked and prodded for tidbits and snippets.

After they proved their mettle and mental reserve. After they defeated the best team in England and possibly the world. After two goals from academy graduates Mainoo and Garnacho fuelled hope of a bright future. After Ten Haag outclassed his counterpart Guardiola. After winning and lifting the oldest and most coveted cup competition in world football.

After all that you’d think this team, these players and this manager would be granted their moment in the sun. Unfortunately, the nature of today’s football world is depressingly cutthroat and sensational.

And cutthroat is exactly the treatment Ten Haag and his players received to a certain degree. Both being asked question after question about they and the managers respective futures. Both seemingly uncomfortable and tired at such queries.

After a season of particular difficulty and inconsistency, with the team finishing in their lowest position since the begining of the premier League era, it’s to be expected that their will be questions over the suitability of Ten Haag and these players.

They have at times this season been awfully dire and naive. Both manager and players have at times warranted the hard questions of work ethic and commitment and tactical nous. Questions about Ten Haag’s future and of some of his players also have persisted for months.

Yet today when they earned this victory, this trophy and earned the respect of pundits and media and represented to the fullest, commitment to the badge. Today after their victory, they were subjected to the same copy and paste questions over and over, time and time again.

Ten Haag sat with dignity and respect as he was poked and prodded, even after he’d just guided United to their second trophy in 2 seasons under his tenure. Inconsistent and flawed this team and structure at times may be, yet this was tired and needless.

Is this what football has become. A gossip tabloid on the edge of bad taste. Beating a man when he’s down mentality, or beating him again just as he’s about to get back up.

I mean, cmon, we’re better than that aren’t we?

Congratulations Manchester United, Erik Ten Haag, his staff and players for a well deserved FA Cup victory.