Erik ten Hag hits out at the media over sacking rumours – as the Man United boss accuses them of ‘creating fairytales and bringing lies’

Erik ten Hag has dismissed the latest speculation over his future as Manchester United manager but admits that 14th place in the Premier League ‘isn’t good enough’.

United have endured their worst start to a season after seven games – winning just twice and scoring five goals – which has ramped up the pressure on Ten Hag again.

But the Dutchman insists that much of the noise is external and United will ride out the latest storm. ‘We are all on one page in this club,’ he said.

‘I told this before the break, several journalists probably didn’t believe me because I see the reports. Internal in the club, it’s quiet. 

‘Of course, we are unhappy in the position where we are in and we have to turn the corner with a strategy to turn this corner. 

Under-fire Man United manager Erik ten Hag has hit back at rumours surrounding his job

‘But ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.’

Ten Hag continued: ‘Sometimes you have to face challenges, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down. I am sure we will make it a success like we did in the last two seasons. 

‘We are in a direction. Underneath I see good patterns, good steps that confirm we are in a direction, but the ranking is not lying – it is not good enough.

‘In general, the players do perform well and we have to start scoring and that part is the most important part in football if you want to win games. 

‘That part we have to improve,. We are entering the final third, the box, we are coming in good positions to score but now the most important part is to net.’

Ten Hag also hit back at the media regarding the speculation about his job as he reaffirmed his belief that things will get better.

‘(I’ve had) no assurances about my position. Noise is only coming from some of you (media), creating stories and fairytales, bringing lies. 

‘We stick to the plan and are very convinced it will be a success.’