Roy Keane has responded to Erik ten Hag's slam of football pundits in a sensational interview published ahead of the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag, who looks set to be fired from Manchester United regardless of Saturday's result, hit out at the game's mouthpieces for attacking him 'to make themselves look better'.

And former Man United captain Keane said that the Dutchman was 'entitled to his opinion', and argued that victory at Wembley would bring plaudits to ten Hag's reputation from himself and other pundits.

Keane told ITV before kick-off: 'He’s entitled to his opinion! I think a lot of managers don’t like pundits. I think he’s OK with me… probably about the lads here', he added, before laughing. 

The Irishman added: 'That’s all part of a manager’s journey, you don’t have to agree with what people say. 

Roy Keane responded to Man United boss Erik ten Hag's interview hitting out at pundits

'Obviously, we’re ex players, I’m an ex-Man United player, and you look at the standards of where we are… but you’ve got to be critical, you’ve got to be fair. 

'I’d love nothing more than for United to turn up here and win today and I’d be happy to give him praise. 

'But it’s not been good enough in the last few months and he’s got to take his medicine. 

'Still, give the man a chance. He’s here today trying to win United the FA Cup.'

Former Man United players Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes have all been vocally critical of Man United at various points in the season.

Ten Hag previously hit out at pundits and fans and called for 'patience' as the team continues its process under him. 

In an interview with Dutch outlet VI, the Dutch manager said: 'The pundits in England want to score, they want to show they are worth the money, and for that Manchester United is an easy prey. 

'It’s the biggest club in England and possibly in the world. The club is either loved or hated, there is no in-between. 

'So when things go bad, they all start talking and talking with very big words. All this negativity from these so called experts who don’t have the capability to analyse something with facts, but who prefer to attack people to make themselves look better. 

'And these same people were the ones who gave me a pat on the back last year. Last year I was able to walk on water, this year I am the worst manager in the Premier League.'

Keane and fellow ITV pundit Ian Wright hit out at the 'leaks and negativity' surrounding ten Hag's future ahead of kick-off.