Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag hits back at media as defender provides surprise injury boost

Manchester United face Brentford at Old Trafford with Erik ten Hag badly needing a win after awful start to Premier League season that has left his future being called into doubt

Erik ten Hag has admitted Manchester United's start to the season is “not good enough” and accepted he and his players have a “mountain to climb”.

United are down in 14th place in the Premier League, after just two wins from their first seven games and have failed to score in their last three league matches.

And today's clash at home to Brentford, with several stars ruled out through injury, could have a huge impact on the Dutchman's future after he was spared the sack during the international break.

But he has also hit back at the media speculation surrounding his future.

Ten Hag hits back

Erik ten Hag has said he has not sought assurances over his future from the United hierarchy, in particular co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and claimed he has taken no notice of external noise.

“The only noise is only coming from the media, from you guys,” said Ten Hag. “From some of you, not all of you, bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales, bringing lies because we are all on one page this club.

“I told you that before the break, but several journalists didn't believe me. I see the reports, but internally, in the club, it's quiet."

Mazraoui boost

Erik ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United right-back Noussair Mazraoui is available for selection despite undergoing a minor heart operation recently.

It was revealed last week that the Morocco star, 26, had undergone a precautionary corrective procedure after experiencing heart palpitations and was set for a period on the sidelines.

Morocco manager Walid Regragui then seemed to imply that the former Bayern Munich defender would not return to action until mid-November after commenting on the matter last week. However, that does not appear to be the case.

Image: TNT SPORTS) TNT SPORTS)

Fergie diplomacy

Sir Alex Ferguson has steered away from criticism of the current Manchester United team in an extended chat with Ally McCoist.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe terminated Ferguson’s ambassadorial deal with the club earlier this week but their greatest manager has a loyalty and bond to United that will never be broken.

But as he looks back on his 27 years as United boss in a fascinating interview with McCoist, it is impossible not to contrast the qualities of Ferguson’s sides with the deficiencies of the teams that have represented the club since he stepped down in 2013. And his most pointed reflections on the various teams he built over two-and-a-half decades come when Ferguson speaks about their resilience.

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