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Mason Mount slammed by former Man Utd star after poor start - 'Nowhere to be seen'
Manchester United football director John Murtough insists under-fire boss Erik ten Hag has the club’s full support despite a dismal start to the season. Murtough has rubbished speculation of a rift behind-the-scenes at Old Trafford over Ten Hag’s performance as head coach.
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The Dutchman has overseen a disappointing start to the 2023-24 season. United are 10th in the Premier League having lost four of their eight games. A dramatic added-time brace by Scott McTominay saved a fifth reverse, ensuring a come-from-behind win against Brentford.
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Two defeats in the Champions League leave the Red Devils with a mountain to climb as they attempt to reach the knockout rounds in Europe. But despite murmurs of discontent, Murtough’s claim that the United hierarchy “believe” in Ten Hag speaks volumes of their confidence.
“Clearly, we’ve got work to do to get the men’s team back up to the levels we expect, but we really believe in the manager, his staff and the players, and their ability to build momentum as the season progressed,” Murtough said.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has been backed by John Murtough despite poor Premier League form (Image: Getty)
“It’s been a disappointing start to the men’s season, although Saturday’s dramatic win against Brentford has given us something to build on after the international break.
“Now, we have to show that same drive to turn the season around after the international break and I know that the manager, players and staff are absolutely determined to do that.
“There’s still three-quarters of the campaign to go and four competitions to compete in, so it’s important we keep our belief — both within the club and among the fans.”
A report by TalkSPORT claimed that United’s players are “not having” Ten Hag. Especially after the Dutchman’s hardline stance on Jadon Sancho, who has been banished from the club’s first-team facilities over a falling-out with the former Ajax tactician.
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However, Ten Hag insists the harmony at United is positive and pointed out that there are far bigger problems. The 53-year-old says he is blocking out reports of a rift inside the club.
"You can't say the spirit isn't right,” Ten Hag argued last week. “I think we have other problems than that. At United, you have to win every game, so it doesn't change anything. I don't know if it's a leak (in the dressing room), but I know your opinion. I know my players.
"Everyone can make suggestions, but we are okay with it. You get stronger from it, as long as you stay together. That’s what we're doing. All the staff, coaches, medical people, everyone is united - and at United you fight."
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