Ten Hag is 'battling to keep key players onside' after their defeat to Newcastle

Manchester United players are reportedly becoming 'disillusioned' under manager Erik ten Hag and he is 'battling to keep key players onside'.

This comes after the Red Devils fell to defeat at the hands of Newcastle on Saturday, their 10th defeat of the season.

With Ten Hag's side sitting 7th in the table and five points off the top four, the pressure is on the head coach.

Man United also sit bottom of Group A in the Champions League with one match to go and know that they must beat Bayern Munich to have a chance of making the knock-out stages.

Things have gone from bad to worse for Ten Hag, with ESPN reporting that he is now 'battling to keep key players onside' ahead of these crucial weeks.

The report continues to state that 'a group within the first-team squad are becoming disillusioned' after their loss to Newcastle.

Despite a number of players 'remaining behind Ten Hag and his staff, there are concerns within the club that the mood inside the dressing room will dip even further'.

ESPN continue to detail the reasons behind player's becoming disillusioned, pointing at the Dutchman's training methods.

'Among the issues being raised privately among some players are Ten Hag's intense training sessions since the preseason tour of the United States, and what are considered to be cavalier tactics which have left the team open,' the report states.

However, Ten Hag has backed his players publicly despite their poor performances this season.

ESPN report that this is in an attempt to cool the hostile atmosphere within the club.

It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for Ten Hag after he guided his side to a Carabao Cup trophy and Champions League qualification.

Things appear to have turned sour quickly for the Red Devils boss,