Erik ten Hag is a problem at Manchester United but they have bigger problems

Richard Arnold was in attendance for the Rugby World Cup final in Paris on Saturday. The chasm between Manchester United and Manchester City is so vast it is like watching a different sport.

Sunday's derby will have stung more than any other for United supporters in the past 10 years. Every chant that emitted from the away section highlighted City's superiority and one - 'Champions of England, champions of Europe' - was hollered verbatim by United fans 15 years ago. United's following was often stumped.

Arnold is convinced United are making good progress. They have lost five of their first ten league games for the first time since 1986; such a sorry start to a season that a four-man delegation drove to Glasgow and sounded out Alexander Chapman Ferguson.

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The fear now, from some, is Erik ten Hag has crossed the point of no return. The supportive chanting from the Stretford End that sustained until beyond the full-time whistle should not be dismissed and this season is still salvageable.

And where else would United go? There is no indication they are preparing to change manager for the fifth time in the past decade and the investment on Ten Hag's watch has been so considerable a managerial change would be premature.

Ten Hag oversaw a genuinely successful 2022-23. Thursday nights are not reserved for the drudgery of the Europa League this season and if United win their next two Champions League matches they are in the draw for the round-of-16 with a match to spare.

Only few have faith in United and relegation to the Europa League is possible. United are still as fragile as they were under Ole