The Dutchman, who cracked down on negative stories earlier this season, refused to take questions from The Sun, The Mirror and the Manchester Evening News in his media briefing ahead of United's game against Burnley. The journalists were allowed to attend the press conference but were informed before it started that they would not be invited to ask questions.

The outlets were also not allowed to ask questions after the 4-2 win over Sheffield United. Ten Hag is believed to have been upset with the coverage from the outlets after United's narrow victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final on penalties after throwing away a 3-0 lead. He had called the media analysis of that victory "embarrassing" and a "disgrace". A United source said: "It’s not a hard ban. It’s our prerogative who we invite questions from."

Ten Hag banned The Mirror, the MEN, Sky and ESPN from attending a press conference in December ahead of United's game against Chelsea for publishing stories of a dressing room revolt against the manager without asking for the club's side of the story. Alex Ferguson was infamous for banning journalists for publishing stories he did not agree with.