A Manchester United chief has expressed the club’s dissatisfaction with their poor start to the season under Erik ten Hag.
United have won just three of their opening eight Premier League matches and are 12th in the table, six points outside of the top-four.
They came from behind to beat Brentford 2-1 at the weekend but this was preceded a winless run of five across all competitions.
Ten Hag, who has won two trophies in as many seasons at the club, extended his contract to 2026 in the summer but his future has been questioned again amid a lack of positive results.
Such form has understandably concerned fans, considering it follows a summer in which the club spent around £179million on new signings.
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United are a shadow of their former selves – the dominant force under Sir Alex Ferguson – and their chief communications officer Toby Craig has revealed their frustration over the club’s progress.
“Clearly we are not happy with the men’s first team’s start to the season and results are not where we want them to be,” he told a fans’ forum via the Evening Standard. “There is a huge amount of change going on.
“We believe we came out of the summer transfer window with a stronger squad, but it’s one that is still evolving with a number of younger players who will keep getting better.
“So there have been changes on the pitch, but also off the pitch with [sporting director] Dan Ashworth and [technical director] Jason Wilcox joining the club. They are transforming our sporting structure off the pitch.
“We know there’s still a lot to do. The women’s first team has started its season well, with a 100 per cent record so far in the WSL.
“Whilst the main focus of the fans’ forum has always been on fan issues, we will endeavour to keep the forum briefed on football developments and provide access to football leadership from time to time.”
Craig’s comments came before the win over Brentford and Ten Hag’s scathing rant towards the media for their coverage of his position at Old Trafford.
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There was speculation the Dutchman would not remain in his post beyond the October international break, given the poor results.
However, Ten Hag hit back during his pre-Brentford press conference when he said: “Noise is only coming from some of you in the media.
“Creating stories and fairytales, and bringing lies. Journalists didn’t believe me. I saw the reports. Of course, we are unhappy with the position where we are.
“Ultimately, internally it is quiet and composed. We stick to the plan and are very convinced it will be a success.”
Victory at the weekend will have alleviated some of the pressure on Ten Hag, although a cloud of uncertainty will likely remain.
United’s next face former boss Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday – LIVE on talkSPORT – a competition they are yet to win in this season.
They have drawn to both FC Twente and Porto in their opening two European fixtures, despite taking the lead in both, and are 21st in the new league phase table as a result.
