Erik ten Hag sends a clear message to Man Utd chiefs ahead of sack decision meeting

Erik ten Hag is under mounting pressure at Manchester United but he insists he is in regular contact with the club's hierarchy and they are 'on the same page'

Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, has insisted that he and the club's hierarchy are on the same page despite recent speculation about his future. Prior to Sunday's match, there were rumours that Ten Hag could face the sack if United suffered another poor result against Unai Emery's team.

However, following a goalless draw with Aston Villa, Ten Hag confirmed his regular contact with United's top brass and their shared vision. "We always speak, every week we speak. We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through it's a long-term process," he told Sky Sports.

Despite making their worst ever start to a Premier League season, Ten Hag remained positive, highlighting the team's fourth clean sheet of the season and praising their organisation and spirit. "I think it's the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient." he said.

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The manager reflected on the team's performance with a critical eye, saying: "We almost didn't concede a chance, when you defend like this and get some luck, in the end they had a big chance but it was almost the only chance I think.", reports the Mirror.

He also noted the balance between the two sides: "We created some chances, also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced."

Recalling previous matches, he added: "In Porto our build-up was brilliant, so good in the first 25 minutes, we out-played Porto. Also Palace, in possession we were so good, we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn't create too many chances, but also we played a great team."

The boss then highlighted the need for improvement and praised individual players: "We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he's still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up. I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end."

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