Manchester United stirred controversy on Tuesday by excluding journalists from four media outlets—Sky, ESPN, Manchester Evening News, and the Mirror—from the news conference featuring manager Erik ten Hag.
The club justified this move by claiming they were not afforded the right to reply concerning negative stories circulating around the team.
In an official statement, Manchester United clarified that their action was not a response to disliking published stories but rather a consequence of these stories being released without prior contact to provide an opportunity for comment, challenge, or context.
The club underscored the importance of this principle and expressed hope that it would prompt a reevaluation of their working relationship with the media.
During the press conference, Erik ten Hag addressed the situation, expressing the belief that the media should have approached the club first instead of publishing articles without consultation. He stressed the necessity of open communication and stated his willingness to listen to players’ opinions. While acknowledging that a few players might hold different views, Ten Hag highlighted that the majority favor a proactive, dynamic, and brave style of play.
As Manchester United, currently in the seventh position in the Premier League table, prepares to face Chelsea on Wednesday at 20:15 GMT, the exclusion of certain media outlets adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing dynamics within the club.
