Erik ten Hag 'does not care' about speculation over his Manchester United future

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag insists he is not bothered by speculation regarding his future at the club.

The Dutchman enjoyed a promising first season in charge at Old Trafford that saw them win the League Cup and finish third in the Premier League.

But his second campaign has proven more problematic with United currently sixth in the league – 12 points outside the top four – while their European campaign was over in December after the club finished bottom of their Champions League group.

New co-owners Ineos are currently conducting a full audit of the club as they look to bring fresh bring fresh impetus to a club that has not won the Premier League since 2013.

Recent reports have linked current England manager Gareth Southgate with Ten Hag's role with the Englishman this week branding speculation “completely disrespectful” to the Dutchman.

United's likely next sporting director Dan Ashworth became England's director of elite development in 2013, the same time Southgate had been named manager of the Under-21 team.

Ashworth, who has agreed to join United but has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle as the two clubs attempt to thrash out a deal, has described Southgate as “an exceptional leader” who has “a really good understanding of getting the best out of the players and staff”.

Dave Brailsford, who holds a key position alongside Jim Ratcliffe at United in his role as Ineos' director of sport, is also an admirer of Southgate.

Ten Hag, though, says that he is used to speculation about his job. “You know when you are working at Man United there will always be noise, rumours around the club, the manager, the players, whatever,” he said ahead of Saturday's Premier League game at Brentford.

“You [the media]