By Nathan Ridley
Erik ten Hag refused to answer questions from three major newspapers on Friday, with the Manchester United manager handing out another set of bans.
In December, Ten Hag put his foot down after became known that he was facing a dressing-room revolt, subsequently banning four outlets. Ahead of this Saturday's clash with Burnley, the Red Devils boss refused to take questions from the Mirror, the Sun and local newspaper the Manchester Evening News.
Ten Hag's anger stems from what he described as an 'embarrassing' reaction to United's narrow FA Cup semi-final victory last Sunday, as his players needed penalties to beat Championship side Coventry after blowing a 3-0 lead. The Dutchman had skated past the same three newspapers at his Tuesday press conference, ahead of Wednesday's rollercoaster 4-2 win at home to bottom of the league Sheffield United.
Ten Hag has five Premier League games and an FA Cup Final against bitter rivals Manchester City left to prove to new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his fellow INEOS Sport chiefs that he's the man for the job long-term.
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The former Ajax manager will be aided by the return of four more players before the campaign ends, with £55m summer signing Mason Mount fit again to face relegation-battling Burnley at Old Trafford.
"Same squad but apart from Mason Mount," Ten Hag confirmed. "He will return into the squad. I think we will see [Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Anthony Martial] all in the season.
"They all returned onto the pitch. Next week, they have to make the step into team training and they can be available for the last weeks. They progress well."
Another player who he's hoping will step up his Marcus Rashford, who's currently injured after coming off in the semi-final. "I've a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course," Ten Hag added.
"Last year, he had a brilliant season. I think the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals. This season, he didn't give the performances and people have been very critical. We have to back him and everyone should back him to get back to the levels of last year.
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"I think he needs the support. We all know what he's capable of, we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw last year when he was really brilliant."
Ten Hag also believes that the United fans are still behind him, saying: "We are entering Old Trafford, I heard the reception. Wednesday was louder than I have heard. Also away: always supportive, backing the team and there is a very good connection between the team and the fans."
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