Revealed: Erik ten Hag's unexpected message to Man Utd players after Tottenham loss as details emerge of squad's 'frustrated' reaction in dressing room

According to the Daily Mail,when United players returned to the dressing room on Sunday evening, the inquests into the 3-0 loss begun. Despite the bleak scenario, Ten Hag maintained his composure, choosing not to berate his team. Instead, he focused on the positives and pointed out the improvement he saw in the second half, especially after Bruno Fernandes' send-off.

Ten Hag’s composed reaction underscores a broader sense of calm within the Manchester United hierarchy. While there is no denying that the team’s performances must get better, the club has refrained from taking any knee-jerk decision. It is believed that the Dutch manager has been handed two more games to turn the table around as there is an understanding that changes and improvements take time, especially in a team undergoing a rebuild.

It is understood that Ten Hag retains the support of many players in the squad as many of them have been trained by him previously. This Dutch connection has helped him maintain a level of respect and loyalty within the dressing room, which has allowed him to continue working towards long-term goals. However, the latest defeat has stirred concern among some players who are beginning to feel that their manager is already on borrowed time. The Mail's report adds that there was frustration among the players at half-time and full-time on Sunday that they cannot display the necessary grit and determination when faced with adversity, and their struggles are reminiscent of their poor form of last season.

Ten Hag will once again lead his troops against Porto in the Europa League this week before travelling to Villa Park on Sunday to take on Aston Villa.