Erik ten Hag gives 14-word answer on Sir Jim Ratcliffe talks after Tottenham bashing

Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure as Manchester United boss after a poor start to the season as he's opened up on talks with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag said he's in constant communication with Manchester United's owners (Image: Getty)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed that he's been in talks with club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe about ways to improve following their 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. A dismal start to the 2024/25 season sees the Red Devils languishing in an unimpressive 13th place in the Premier League.

This has sparked rumours that he may only have two matches left to save his position with clashes against Porto and Aston Villa on the horizon this week. Following Sunday's (September 29) 3-0 home defeat to Spurs, their second consecutive loss after a similar defeat to Liverpool, the 54-year-old opened up to Sky Sports about the discussions he's had with the Brit billionaire since the defeat to Ange Postecoglou's team.

"We're talking continually, but we are talking about how we can improve the process," he briefly stated, then added: "We are all very impatient and our fans are and they are entitled to but we are definitely as well," reports the Mirror.

"We want to win every game and when we are losing, everyone is disappointed, and frustrated, but it's also our fuel to get better." There's speculation that his role could be potentially filled by his new assistant and United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who is reportedly a favourite among the players and obviously loved among the fanbase.

When asked about the necessary steps to recover for upcoming crucial matches against Porto and Aston Villa, Ten Hag added: "The most important [issue] to address is one you always need, to keep the belief." He continued, "[To] stay in the game, you need to keep the belief so that's the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything isn't it? We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on."

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag said his discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe revolve around improving the club (Image: Sky Sports )

He continued: "[To] stay in the game, you need to keep the belief so that's the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything isn't it? We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on."

Three of United's victories this season across all competitions have come against Fulham, Southampton and Barnsley, the latter taking place in the EFL Cup. They've yet to score a league goal at Old Trafford since Joshua Zirkzee's winning goal against the Cottagers on the opening day of the season.

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