Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sends message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Erik ten Hag is adamant Manchester United's results will improve once they have a fuller squad next month.

United lost their 14th game of the season to Nottingham Forest and had ten players unavailable through injury and illness. Antony also came off with a hamstring injury.

Hojlund's absence marked the 35th injury or illness that has caused a United player to miss a game this season but Ten Hag has repeatedly stressed United's injury list does not excuse their form.

However, Ten Hag is regularly citing the United's enforced changes that are preventing them from perfecting "routines".

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Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford was in attendance at the City Ground and Ten Hag is certain to come under greater pressure as Ineos prepare to take over football operations at United.

United have not lost this many games at the turn of the year since 1930-31 - when they were relegated. Ten Hag insisted he is still the right man to lead the club.

"Of course, but they (Ineos) know me and they know when I have a squad what is available then the results will be there," Ten Hag stressed. "We already proved against the top teams we can go head-to-head.

"So I am convinced and have a strong belief we get progress in this team, that we get more consistency in the moment. This is part of a project.

"We were overperforming last year, this year so far we are underperforming. We have to do better, we have to step up and I have to lead that process."

"One thing is sure: every time you have to swap, the routines are not there and top football is going quick," Ten Hag explained, "so you need the