I heard Erik ten Hag' laugh off question about being under pressure at Manchester United

The pressure hasn't yet taken away Erik ten Hag's sense of humour. The lighter side of Manchester United's Dutch manager is something we don't see in public very often but as he discussed dealing with the criticism that comes his way he didn't miss the chance to have a bit of fun.

Ten Hag had been asked how he deals with the pressure and the scrutiny that comes with being the United manager. And not just any old manager, but one that is feeling the heat and having his prospects of staying in a job raked off fairly regularly.

It's been that way again this week after underwhelming draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente. A run of 27 wins in 60 games in all competitions since the start of last season is never going to give the occupier of the home dugout at Old Trafford an easy ride.

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Ten Hag has had to deal with plenty of criticism and speculation over his job prospects hit fever pitch towards the end of last season. As he explained how he dealt with that during his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Tottenham, the 54-year-old revealed some of it is "very good advice".

"Thanks," shot back one reporter in the front row, someone who has enjoyed a few light-hearted exchanges with Ten Hag previously. "Not from you," Ten Hag replied, before his booming laughter filled the room. It certainly killed any tension that was present.

It also came in what was actually an insightful answer. Ten Hag had previously been asking for patience for his young squad but he is the one who needs patience really. Whenever this team slips up the spotlight is falling on the manager, but he is happy to take on the criticism rather than shy away from it.

"First of all, respect the criticism. There are many, you can have an opinion about football. When you are in the job, you have to deal with this," he said. "But I can't take every criticism into account. I don't read, of course, all the criticism, it's not even possible. I don't want even to know. I need to know some and some are very good advice.

"For me [the best advice], is stay clinical and see where the team is, which areas we have to improve. Stay also methodical, that you guide the team in the right pathway and make sure you make the right steps to get the best out of the team."