Erik ten Hag has insisted he and the Manchester United board are on ‘one page’ over the long-term plan for the club.
Ten Hag is under pressure after overseeing Manchester United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season, with the Red Devils having taken just eight points from their first seven games after a goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday.
United are five without a win in all competitions, with attacking quality lacking at Villa Park despite an improved defensive performance. Bruno Fernandes came closest to breaking the deadlock when the midfielder’s free-kick rattled against the crossbar.
The draw leaves Ten Hag’s team 14th in the Premier League table heading into the international break, though the Dutchman was keen to take the positives from the performance.
“I think it’s the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient,” he told Sky Sports.
“We almost didn’t concede a chance, when you defend like this and get some luck, in the end they had a big chance but it was almost the only chance I think.
“We created some chances, also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced.
“In Porto our build-up was brilliant, so good in the first 25 minutes, we out-played Porto. Also Palace, in possession we were so good, we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn’t create too many chances, but also we played a great team.
“We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he’s still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up. I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end.”
Ten Hag insists he and board ‘together’ on Manchester United future
Ten Hag was asked whether he had spoken to the club’s board over his future and was adamant he remains in sync with the hierarchy over the direction of the side.
“We always speak, every week we speak. We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through it’s a long-term process.
“We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have.”
