Erik ten Hag hits back at critics over Man United's style of play and insists their identity on the pitch 'is clear and obvious'... as Red Devils boss he 'doesn't care' about the doubts over his team's approach to matches

Erik ten Hag has hit back at criticisms over Manchester United's style of play and insisted their approach is 'clear and obvious'.

The Red Devils have come under fire for their lack of identity on the pitch throughout the campaign, with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand ripping into their performances. 

However, despite the concern from pundits and supporters, ten Hag has claimed that he 'doesn't care' about the criticisms and claimed 'we know what our identity is'.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of their clash with Liverpool, ten Hag said: 'The way we play is very clear and obvious. 

When asked about previous comments from pundits on United's approach, he said: 'I don't know and I don't care because that is their assessment. We know where we are. 

'We know what our identity is. We want to dominate the game. In and out of possession. We want to play out from the back'. 

United's campaign has been defined by inconsistency this season, with one stand-out performance regularly followed by an underwhelming one. 

Back in February, ex-United star Ferdinand ripped into the Red Devils and the tactics employed by ten Hag after a 2-1 defeat to Fulham. 

'We don't set up to protect ourselves on the counter,' Ferdinand told his FIVE Youtube channel.

'We never have a sustained period of attack. Say we go up and go and win the ball, say at the weekend, very rarely do you see it go out to one winger [Alejandro] Garnacho, come back out, recycle it and then go back out the other side.

'Keeping probing, having a look, putting it in putting it out, having a look, drawing people out of positions. I do not see Man United do that.

'Man United just don't have a style of play at the moment where where you go that is them. I don't think Jim Ratcliffe and his team are shy of making big decisions. What's right for Man United now will do,' he added.

Similarly, after their recent draw with Brentford, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp suggested that ten Hag should be fired for their underwhelming displays. 

‘That’s the sort of performance that gets the manager the sack because there was a lack of effort,’ said pundit Jamie Redknapp.

After nearly two full seasons in charge and £400million spent on new signings, Ten Hag still can’t get the get the basics out of his players. 

The Red Devils currently sit 6th in the Premier League table but are nine points behind Tottenham.