Erik ten Hag looks ahead with hope despite Manchester United’s ongoing struggle

Erik ten Hag remains confident he has the backing of Manchester United’s hierarchy and that improvements are on their way after a problematic night in Porto intensified talk about his position.

The 54-year-old’s future is the subject of widespread discussion just three months after Ineos committed to the Dutchman, extending his contract following an in-depth post-season review.

But the afterglow of May’s FA Cup win against Manchester City has long since faded, with Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat at Tottenham compounded four days later as United blew a two-goal lead against Porto in the Europa League.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a second successive game and it required substitute Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header to rescue a 3-3 draw that does little to improve the mood ahead of Sunday’s challenging trip to Aston Villa.

Asked if he felt there was patience within the United fanbase and structure having said to judge them at the end of the season, Ten Hag said: “I’m not thinking about such issues because that is not a topic.

“We are in there together – the ownership, the leadership team, the staff. I appointed a new staff, we bought, again, new young players and we have to integrate them.

“Like we just talked about Manuel Ugarte, the six position was absolutely one of the topics we want to sign for the season but he needs time to integrate.

“And I know in top football you don’t get time, they have to perform immediately, but it’s not always realistic.

⏹️ It ends all square in Porto.#MUFC || #UEL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 3, 2024

“He has to get used to our game model, he has to get used to his team-mates, he has to get used to the intensity of the Premier League, so it needs time.

“We have more