Ten Hag fights on

Erik ten Hag could never be accused of sidestepping a main issue.

Quizzed again about his future as Manchester United boss, the Dutchman came out swinging, damning the media for their reporting of his current plight, or at least for those stories that claimed he was on the brink of dismissal.

While he is still in a job, he can still save it.

However, United are 14th. Even Ten Hag accepted that is not good enough.

The Dutchman says United's hierarchy are "on the same page". He insisted that was the case after the draw with Aston Villa immediately before the international break.

But trust and patience only last so long. He urgently needs results.

A victory over Brentford would be the ideal place to start.