Ten Hag bullish he can lead new United era despite shocking run

First loss to Nottingham Forest since 1994 rings up 14th defeat of the season as under-pressure manager bemoans injury absences

GRIM LEADING: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (left) during the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Pic: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

Erik ten Hag said it is clear Manchester United are underperforming after falling to a ninth Premier League defeat of the season but he is confident he will convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe he is the best manager to lead the club in the long term. Defeat at Nottingham Forest means United have lost five of their past eight games in all competitions and 14 before the turn of the year for the first time since the 1930-31 season.

Ten Hag previously said he was looking forward to working with Ratcliffe, who has taken control of football operations after acquiring a 25% stake in the club. The United manager said he and Ratcliffe will set “high targets” when they meet. Sir Dave Brailsford, the Ineos director of sport who is poised to take a prominent role on United’s football board and report to Ratcliffe, was in the directors’ box at the City Ground alongside legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.