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Man United not looking to sack Erik ten Hag but relationship with senior players is less harmonious

The Manchester United board have no immediate desire to sack Erik ten Hag, talkSPORT understands.

However, the under-fire Dutchman is under pressure to mastermind an upturn in fortunes to keep his job long-term after a dismal run of eight defeats in the first 15 games of the season, their worst start since the 1962/63 season.

Ten Hag is feeling the heat at Man United
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Ten Hag is feeling the heat at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
Man United are in disarray having suffered their worst start to a season in 61 years
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Man United are in disarray having suffered their worst start to a season in 61 yearsCredit: Getty

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim and Zinedine Zidane have been touted as potential replacements if Ten Hag cannot arrest United's alarming slump.

But it is business as usual at the club's Carrington training complex ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham - a clash that is live on talkSPORT.

The Dutch boss addressed his future after defeat to Newcastle, saying: "I understand when the results are not there it is logical they are questioning that.

"But I am confident I can do it. At this moment we are in a bad place and I take responsibility for it.

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"But I am a fighter. I see it as a challenge."

Ten Hag has credit in the bank with United chiefs having led them to a third place Premier League finish last season and to Carabao Cup glory as well as the FA Cup final.

However, talkSPORT sources have claimed his relationship with some senior players is less harmonious.

French World Cup winning defender Raphael Varane was said to be unhappy at being dropped for last weekend's 3-0 Manchester derby defeat for 'tactical reasons'.

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Varane missed the midweek humbling at home to Newcastle due to an illness.

There are also suggestions the players were dissatisfied with the lack of downtime they were given during United's intensive pre-season tour of the USA.

The next week could be pivotal for Ten Hag with the trip to Craven Cottage followed by a must-win Champions League game in Copenhagen and a home Premier League clash with struggling Luton.

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