Ten Hag bullish he can lead new United era despite shocking run

Erik ten Hag said it is clear Manchester United are underperforming after falling to a ninth Premier League defeat of the season but he is confident he will convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe he is the best manager to lead the club in the long term. Defeat at Nottingham Forest means United have lost five of their past eight games in all competitions and 14 before the turn of the year for the first time since the 1930-31 season.

Ten Hag previously said he was looking forward to working with Ratcliffe, who has taken control of football operations after acquiring a 25% stake in the club. The United manager said he and Ratcliffe will set “high targets” when they meet. Sir Dave Brailsford, the Ineos director of sport who is poised to take a prominent role on United’s football board and report to Ratcliffe, was in the directors’ box at the City Ground alongside legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

“They know me and they know when I have the squad what is available then the results will be there,” Ten Hag said. “We have already proved against the top teams that we can go head to head. I am convinced and I have strong belief that we can get progress in this team and get more consistency than this moment. It is part of a project. We were overperforming last year, this year – so far – we are underperforming and we have to do better. We have to step up. I have to lead the process.” 

Asked if he believes United’s fortunes will improve, Ten Hag replied: “Of course I believe that. I know when [injured] players return, I’m sure this side will be stronger.” 

Ten Hag bemoaned the absence of the striker Rasmus Højlund, who missed United’s fifth defeat in their past eight matches through illness, and said needing to change the team that