However, Ten Hag did make a pointed assessment of some of the criticism he and his team have faced.
“When I took over we were in a mess,” he added.
“The team is developing, the team is winning and the team plays to an identity. But you need a strong squad and the players to be available.”
When Ten Hag was asked if finishing eighth, United’s lowest league placing since 1989-90 and with a minus goal difference was good enough, he retorted: “When you make this, you don’t have any knowledge about managing a football team. When you don’t have players available, you cannot win.”
Having said before the game he was going on holiday on Sunday, an interview with Ten Hag emerged on Saturday morning in which he stated talks had taken place with Ineos and they were committed to him.
Asked to clarify those comments, Ten Hag said: “Do I have to repeat myself 10, 15, 20 times? They don’t have to tell me every week.”
The 54-year-old added he was unaware of talks between United and his potential replacements, stating: “Maybe you have sources. I don’t have them.”
Ten Hag’s defiant post-match mood was also clear in a pitchside BBC Match of the Day interview where he was asked if media criticism this season had been unfair.
“I think so,” he said. “On the team and me as well. It was not right.
“I tell you [the media] this all year – when the players are fit, we can play good football.”
Ten Hag is now responsible for two of the five major trophies United have won since Ferguson retired in 2013. And, in goalscorers Garnacho and Mainoo, he feels he is developing two teenage talents that can take the club back towards the levels they used to occupy under their legendary Scottish manager.
“When you see the last decade there were not so many finals and trophies for this club and not so many young talents coming through with high potential,” said Ten Hag.
“We strengthen the squad by our coaching and training but we still need transfer windows to bring better players in and also players who are always available or often available because when the players are not robust enough, you cannot win trophies.”
