BBC respond to complaints after war of words with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

The BBC have concluded presenters Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were balanced during their broadcast after Manchester United's success in the FA Cup final.

United won the FA Cup against Manchester City in unlikely circumstances last month, but the build-up to the game was marred by reports Erik ten Hag would be sacked regardless of the outcome.

Ten Hag masterminded the victory against City with a brilliant tactical plan and the performance was regarded as the finest of his United tenure so far.

However, that didn't stop Ten Hag from being questioned about his future and his team's poor Premier League campaign, which frustrated some United fans.

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Shearer and Lineker were on punditry duty for the BBC and the latter asked Ten Hag whether he'd been unfairly treated by the media this season.

Ten Hag said he 'thinks so' and explained why. Shearer responded by pointing out how poor United have been and there seemed to be tension between the pair. Speaking on a subsequent podcast, Shearer defended his questioning and said Ten Hag had a right to defend himself.

A United fan contacted the BBC to make a complaint about the coverage and the broadcaster said: "Thanks for contacting us about our coverage of the FA Cup final on May 25.

"There were numerous stories relating to Erik ten Hag's future in the build-up to the final and we believe it was editorially justified to raise them in the interview.

"For the purpose of balance, Gary Lineker did congratulate Erik ten Hag on winning the FA Cup and Alan Shearer praised the Manchester United display.

"We also do not think it was unreasonable for Alan Shearer to contrast Manchester United's superb performance on the day to a season that saw them record their worst-ever Premier League finish.

"We appreciate you may feel differently, but having reviewed the footage we do not agree that Gary Lineker or Alan Shearer were rude or disrespectful towards Erik ten Hag.

"We've shared your disappointment with the team at BBC Sport, which helps inform decisions about our ongoing work."

After the FA Cup final, a swift decision on Ten Hag was expected, but it took over two weeks to receive communication that he'd remain in charge next season.

United have opened contract talks with Ten Hag and he's set to sign a new deal.