Erik ten Hag sends clear message to Man Utd chiefs ahead of sack decision meeting

Erik ten Hag believes that he and the hierarchy remain on the same page amid the recent speculation over his long-term future.

It had been speculated in the build-up to Sunday's match that could be sacked if the Red Devils were on the end of another poor result against 's side, with the United hierarchy set to meet during the international break.

But when he was quizzed about his future after Sunday's , he insisted that not only was he regularly in contact with United's top brass, but also that they are all on the same page.

"We always speak, every week we speak. We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through it's a long-term process," he told Sky Sports.

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"We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have."

While banking a point at Villa Park is a decent result, United have still made their worst ever start to a campaign after winning just two of their opening seven matches.

Ten Hag pointed out plenty of positives post-match, though, as he reacted to the afternoon's events. He told Sky Sports: "I think it's the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient.

"We almost didn't concede a chance, when you defend like this and get some luck, in the end they had a big chance but it was almost the only chance I think.

"We created some chances, also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced.

"In Porto our build-up was brilliant, so good in the first 25 minutes, we out-played Porto. Also Palace, in possession we were so good, we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn't create too many chances, but also we played a great team.

"We create loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration Hojlund is returning, he's still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up. I was impressed from Rashford, also Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end."

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