Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag retains the full support from two of the club's highest-ranking executives brought in by INEOS this summer despite Sunday's humiliating defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
United's 3-0 defeat to the Reds has reignited doubts about the future of the Dutchman, who seemed to be on the verge of being dismissed this summer before the club's hierarchy offered him a one-year contract extension.
This past weekend's loss was the Red Devils' second in their first three matches of the 2024-25 Premier League season and left the side in 14th place in the league standings heading into the international break.
However, while rumours suggested that Ten Hag's role at the club may be in danger, it seems that the 54-year-old's immediate future at Old Trafford is safe after the club's chiefs publicly backed the United manager.
© Imago
Man United chiefs back Ten Hag
Man United's chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, both of whom began their roles at the club after the decision to retain Ten Hag this summer was made, have revealed that they remain steadfast in their support of the Dutchman.
In an interview following the defeat to Arne Slot's side, Berrada said: "In terms of the contract, that was a decision that was taken prior to both of our arrivals. But we're very happy with that decision.
"Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together, as Dan said before, in this [summer] transfer window. We're going to continue working very closely with him to help him get the best results."
Meanwhile, when asked whether he was comfortable with not having a say in retaining Ten Hag as the sporting director, Ashworth referred to his experience in previous roles.
"Very rarely do you go into a job as a sporting director and there's no manager in place. It happened at Newcastle with Eddie Howe and also at West Brom where Tony Mowbray was in place.
"I've really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks. My job is to support him in every way I possibly can to fully focus on the training pitch and the match tactical plan to deliver success for Manchester United."
Ashworth was brought in by United to succeed now-former football director John Murtough, who played a key role in appointing Ten Hag as the replacement for interim manager Ralf Rangnick in 2022, and worked closely with the Dutchman over the past two seasons.
© Imago
Ten Hag's reaction to Man United defeat to Liverpool
Following the defeat on Sunday, Ten Hag faced heavy criticism from fans for his comments, in which he claimed that the issues from last season were not evident in the performance against Liverpool.
In his post-match press conference, the United manager engaged in a somewhat heated exchange with a journalist after being asked if the result and team's performance was down to the players or the coaching.
Ten Hag responded: "What do you mean? Maybe you can explain to me with the mistakes that we make regular."
The reported explained: "Constantly turning the ball over in your own half, playing the ball out from the back, getting mugged, chances coming on the back of it, counter-attacks when you're outnumbered, giving up endless chances in your own stadium against your biggest rivals.
"With the greatest of respect, Erik, we've seen that for so long now."
The United boss then replied: "You are sure? I don't think otherwise you wouldn't win trophies as we did against big opponents. So I'm sorry for you, I have another vision."
Man United are next in action after the international break against newly-promoted Southampton at St Mary's on September 14.
Devesh Jaganath
