Erik ten Hag insists he still has Man Utd backing after worst start since 1989

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United’s top officials remain committed to him as manager following his side’s goalless draw with Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Dutchman remains under intense pressure at Old Trafford but did lead United to a point at a sluggish Villa, who were lacking ideas for much of the encounter after their enthralling victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The Red Devils now sit in 14th. Despite the positive result on Sunday, it is their worst start to a league campaign since 1989, having won only two of their first seven matches.

However, when quizzed on his communication with top INEOS chiefs, Ten Hag once again insisted he is well aligned with their thinking and ambitions.

He said: “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.”

On the match, Ten Hag added: “I think the performance of United was very good. Defending and in possession we controlled the game. 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.

“In Porto, our build-up was brilliant. [We were] so good in the first 25 minutes; we outplayed Porto. Also [Crystal] Palace, in possession we were so good, [so] 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 created loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration [Rasmus] Hojlund is returning, he’s still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up. I was impressed from [Marcus] Rashford, also [Alejandro] Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end.”

United have now drawn four of their last five matches in all competitions, losing 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur last week. Their last victory came in the Carabao Cup when they smashed Barnsley 7-0 in mid September.