Man Utd ban FOUR media outlets from pre-Chelsea press conference over reports claiming Erik ten Hag is losing the dressing room after nightmare start to the season

United have taken a hard line against four journalists who regularly cover the club after reporting of a revolt within the squad against the Dutch manager in the wake of Saturday's defeat by Newcastle. That result marked their 10th loss of the 2023-24 campaign in all competitions, with Ten Hag overseeing the club's worst start to a season since their relegation to the second tier back in 1973-74.

The Manchester Evening News, ESPN, the Mirror and Sky Sports were all barred from Tuesday's press conference after publishing the stories without giving the club the opportunity to respond.

The Mirror and Sky reported that several players were calling for Ten Hag to recall Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled from the squad since criticising the manager on social media after being left out of the team against Arsenal.

The Manchester Evening News, meanwhile, reported that some players were losing confidence with Ten Hag over his tactics and signings, and ESPN claimed the manager was "fighting for the support of his players".

A United spokesperson said: "We’re taking action against a number of news organisations today, not for publishing stories we don’t like, but for doing so without contacting us first to give us the opportunity to comment, challenge or contextualise. We believe this is an important principle to defend and we hope it can lead to a re-set in the way we work together."

The only way for Ten Hag to turn the negative tide is for his side to beat Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday. United have lost to every side they have faced in the top half of the table so far this season, and currently sit nine points behind leaders Arsenal.