'We are always under criticism' - Beleaguered Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag compares rough treatment to Jose Mourinho's despite being miles behind Portuguese icon's trophy haul

Ten Hag has come under fire once again amid United's dismal start to the season, which has seen them rack up just three wins in the Premier League after eight matches. They will be searching for their first win in the Europa League - having drawn their first two games - when they take on Mourinho's Fenerbahce on Thursday.

After Mourinho guided United to the Europa League title in 2017, United went on a trophyless run until they won the Carabao Cup in Ten Hag's debut season, followed by an FA Cup success last term. Despite his success, the ex-Ajax boss is reportedly close to being sacked, but he used Mourinho as part of his defence of his record, even though the Portuguese has significantly more trophies to his name.

"Mourinho and I, we won a lot of trophies the last years but you have to prove yourself every year and when you don't win we are always under criticism," he said. "We know that we are experienced enough. Professional football is about winning games and when you don't win, the criticism is coming.

"But at the end of the day, it's about how you are at the end of the year. Mourinho is so experienced, he will lead this team to its best form, he will be successful and so will we. We are convinced we are in the right direction, that we follow the right path and we will achieve what our targets are."

Ten Hag's Red Devils go in search of another win on Thursday when they come up against Mourinho's Fenerbahce in Istanbul in the Europa League.