'We are not on Man Utd's payroll' - Newspaper banned from attending Erik ten Hag's press conferences hits back at club and urges Red Devils to 'look closer to home for sources of disquiet'

United banned journalists from four media outlets after they reported issues within United's dressing room. Manchester Evening News wrote that players were losing confidence in Ten Hag and his tactics and the newspaper has suggested the club look within to find the reason for such reporting, rather than attempt to punish journalists.

"Manchester United is a Mancunian institution. It's a privilege to have them on our doorstep and to cover them minutely. But we are not on the club's payroll," editor Sarah Lester wrote.

"Our job is to report what's happening in the organisations that matter to our readers. And that includes our great football clubs.

"We do not publish anything lightly and all of our stories are sourced and checked. We have a responsibility to the readers who place such trust in us to faithfully report what we know and what we see."

The letter added: "It's at press conferences where our journalists get the chance to ask questions on behalf of all these supporters. To be shut out for reporting a story we know to be accurate is wrong.

"That said, we largely have a productive relationship with Manchester United and we want that to continue. Our role is that of a concerned friend. Our preference is to move on. We suggest United looks closer to home for the sources of the disquiet - rather than shooting the messenger."

United also banned journalists from ESPN, The Mirror and Sky Sports from attending Ten Hag's press conference on Tuesday ahead of their Premier League match against Chelsea for what they reported. The Mirror and Sky Sports had said that some players were pushing for Ten Hag to bring Jadon Sancho back into the squad, while ESPN reported the manager is fighting to win support back from his team.

Ten Hag's United team are in action again on Wednesday when they welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are seventh in the table ahead of the Premier League match and sit nine points behind leaders Arsenal.