'Erik has our full backing' - Man Utd chiefs insist Ten Hag not in danger of sack even if results worsen

The Dutchman, who narrowly held on to his job after a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, mainly thanks to beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final, is once again under pressure following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford. That result leaves United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with just three points from their first three matches and it has been suggested he could become the first manager to be sacked in the division this season.

Amid the uncertainty, Berrada made it clear that the club’s leadership remains fully behind the manager.

“Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window," he told reporters. “We’re going to continue working very closely with him to help him get the best results of the team.”

When questioned about whether the club’s confidence in Ten Hag will remain even if results worsen, Berrada was unequivocal: “Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us, and we’re fully backing him.”

Ashworth echoed Berrada’s sentiments and went on to emphasize his positive working relationship with Ten Hag. “All I can do is reiterate what Omar says, I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks," he said. “I see my job as to support him in every way I possibly can, whether that’s operationally, with recruitment, whether that’s with medical, psychology, training ground flow. It’s just to take as much of that off him to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and the match tactical plan to deliver success for Manchester United.”

However, Berrada made it clear that they had no role in extending Ten Hag's contract and it was a decision taken by INEOS “prior to both of our arrivals”.

When Ashworth was thrown the same question, he replied: "I didn’t start until July 1 so [I had] none whatsoever."

The current situation at United draws parallels to past struggles, notably the 1986-87 season when the club endured its worst start in decades. That year, United managed just one point from their first four games, leading to the sacking of Ron Atkinson and the appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson, who would go on to become the club’s most successful manager.

If United fail to secure a victory against Southampton after the international break on September 14, it would make their worst start to the season since 1986-87 and raise further questions about Ten Hag’s future.