The Mirror

Erik ten Hag revealed he's had discussions with Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe on how they can improve after their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman's position at Old Trafford has been one of uncertainty scaling back to last summer when the club's hierarchy openly searched for his replacement before deciding to stick with Ten Hag and triggering a one-year contract extension.

However, a poor start to the 2024/25 season sees the Red Devils languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. And it has led to reports that he may have just two games to save his job.

After Sunday's (September 29) 3-0 home defeat to Spurs – their second in a row following an identical loss to Liverpool – the 54-year-old spoke to Sky Sports where he opened about the talks he's had with co-owner Ratcliffe since the loss to Ange Postecoglou's side.

"We're talking continually, but we are talking about how we can improve the process," he succinctly said, before adding: "We are all very impatient and our fans are and they are entitled to but we are definitely as well.

"We want to win every game and when we are losing, everyone is disappointed, frustrated but it's also our fuel to get better."

The Dutchman could yet see his job at least temporarily be taken by his new assistant and United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who is said to be a popular figure among the dressing room.

When asked what his side need to do to bounce back with important games against Porto and Aston Villa on the horizon, Ten Hag said: "The most important [issue] to address is one you always need, to keep the belief.

"[To] stay in the game, you need to keep the belief so that's the most important message that we have to give because if you lose your faith you lose everything isn't it? We have to keep going and stick to the plan and move on."

Simon Jordan has laid into Gary Neville for his 'absurd' commentary during Manchester United's 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Tottenham.

United were humiliated on home soil thanks to goals from Spurs stars Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke. But it was the manner of 10-man United's defeat which left Neville seething, as the former Old Trafford captain labelled their performance 'absolutely disgusting'.

The Red Devils have now lost back-to-back Premier League home games 3-0, including against arch enemies Liverpool, leaving manager Erik ten Hag at risk of losing his job. Despite the severity of the situation, Jordan has criticised Neville for the 'language' which he used while on commentary for Sky Sports.

Sifting through the wreckage of United's defeat on talkSPORT, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan claimed: "People get very critical that our agenda apparently in the studio is to constantly berate Ten Hag. I listen to the commentary from Gary Neville and the language that's being used is absurd.

"It is not a disgusting performance, it is a poor performance. But when you've got Manchester United people, who are the first ones to get very prickly if anyone else says anything about Manchester United, going in full tilt on the nature of performance... It was a poor performance against a very good Tottenham side. It wasn't disgusting. It wasn't an abhorration. You know, it's ridiculous."

Neville's most brutal criticism came shortly after captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a hotly-debated red card. "It is not as bad as I initially thought," he said of the challenge. "But it sums up Man United first half which has been an absolute disgrace. It's one of the worst performances I have seen under Ten Hag - and that is saying something. It is really bad.

Earlier in the game, Neville had also said: "It has been as bad as it gets - no urgency, no life in them. United have all the bodies back there, but they may as well be statues or mannequins. Tottenham are just cutting through at will. Manchester United in this first half-hour are really bad. The crowd aren't engaged at all."

Get involved! Do you agree with Simon Jordan? Have your say in the comments section.

He then lamented post-match: "The big story today is that in that first half. You can't say it came from nowhere because Manchester United have been inconsistent all season, but they have chosen to put in their very worst performance, their very worst possible showing.

"It was an absolutely disgusting performance in that first half in effort, quality, everything you want in a football team and there are going to be questions to answer for that group (of players) and the manager in the next week."

United hope to bounce back away to Porto on Thursday in the Europa League before travelling to Aston Villa.

The FA have launched their own investigation into homophobic chanting by Tottenham fans, Mirror Football can exclusively reveal.

Spurs travelled to Manchester United on Sunday and claimed a famous 3-0 win at Old Trafford. Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke secured all three points, with United skipper Bruno Fernandes also being sent off.

But the game was marred by several incidents of homophobic chanting from the visiting fans. One of the chants was aimed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, with the lyrics believed to read: "Dom Solanke is f****** class, Mik Arteta takes it up the a***, 60 million down the drain, Dom Solanke scores again."

Another song was allegedly aimed at Mason Mount, with the ' Chelsea rent boy' chant heard as he replaced Kobbie Mainoo. Back in 2022, Mirror Football exclusively revealed that chant had been classified as a homophobic hate crime by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The FA have also heavily fined teams whose fans are heard singing the rent boy chant. Given the allegations about Sunday's game, Mirror Football can reveal that the governing body are aware and are looking into the matter.

Spurs themselves are also investigating the chants and condemned their own fans in a statement on Sunday night. The Premier League side branded their supporters' actions 'abhorrent and unacceptable'.

A club statement read: "The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today. This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.

"The Club will be working closely with the Police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting - we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy. Supporters in attendance today can report anything they’ve seen or heard in confidence to supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com.

"We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.

"We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club."

The Proud Lilywhites welcomed news of the club's investigation and their strongly-worded statement. The group also moved to remind their fellow fans of the impact of homophobic chanting.

A statement from the group read: "Loved what happened on the pitch at Old Trafford; didn’t love the homophobic chanting off the pitch. Dom deserves better and as for the other one...

"We’re all Spurs fans just like you. When you sing these songs you’re telling us we don’t belong; and we do—as much as you do."

Ex-Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s transfer comments still ring true after Erik ten Hag’s latest window.

Despite receiving both personal and financial backing from new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe - after being bestowed a new contract extension and just under £200million to spend - Ten Hag’s third season in charge has started abhorrently.

With just two wins from six and a pair of 3-0 embarrassments at the hands of rivals Liverpool and, most recently, Tottenham, recruitment at Old Trafford hasn’t helped proceedings. Players like Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manuel Ugarte - though in their early days - are yet to make a huge difference.

When Rangnick was in charge, he delivered a telling monologue, admitting that the club needed a complete rebuild and that signings needed to be specific, premier and suited in order to catch up to league-leading clubs. This warning-esque admission has evidently not been heeded.

"If you look at those two clubs who are currently dominating the Premier League [Manchester City and Liverpool], they did exactly that [rebuild]," Rangnick exclaimed in 2022 after a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.

"They brought in two managers, but not only did they bring in two managers, but they also changed the whole thing with regard to formation and what kind of players we need. I mean, the headline of everything was, ‘How do we want to play.’ The team needs a rebuild, and therefore, for me, it's clear that there will be six, seven, eight, maybe ten new players.

"Before you sign those players, you need to be aware of who you want to play and what kind of football the new manager wants to play. Then, take it from there. Bring every single player fitting into that kind of profile."

Alas, the United board did not, and perhaps still does not, choose to listen. Rangnick departed that April to join the Austrian national team set-up, and the Red Devils continue to whiff on big money transfers, have a lack of long-term solutions and lose ground on those challenging at the league’s summit.

After parting ways with the Manchester club, Rangnick was entirely honest when asked about the board’s refusal to approach attacking targets, openly naming those he wished would have been signed.

"The answer at the time was: ‘No, there is no player on the market that would really help us,’" Rangnick stated in May of 2020. "But, there were a few, there were a few.

"[Luis] Diaz, who is now at Liverpool, [Julian] Alvarez who will be at Manchester City this summer, [Dusan] Vlahovic, who at the time still was with Fiorentina, so. Those are just three of them of them that come across my mind now.

"I spoke to the board and said: 'Shouldn't we at least speak and try and analyse if we could get a player either on loan or as a permanent deal?' But in the end, the answer was no."

Rangnick’s comments have been recirculated on social media following United’s poor start to the season and the Spurs drubbing, with fans quick to praise and support his insight.

One simply wrote: "This man knew the problem," while another added: "Man Utd signings have been horrendous. It's more like a player having a breakout season and Man Utd decides to buy him. I don’t think there’s any pre analysis over what kinda player is needed."

A third believes that the German should have remained in charge for longer, writing: "Should have stuck with this man and got rid of the rot in the players."

Bruno Fernandes has revealed that Tottenham star James Maddison did not believe the Manchester United captain should have been sent off.

Fernandes being given his marching orders summed up a dismal opening half for the Red Devils before they eventually succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Spurs. With the score 1-0 following Brennan Johnson's third-minute strike, the Portugal international was handed a straight red when he caught Maddison before half-time.

Chris Kavanagh judged the challenge to be serious foul play despite the midfielder appearing to slip before making his lunge. Fernandes was left frustrated by that judgement.

“I think in the eyes of everyone, you can see that is never a red card because if this is a red card I think we have to look at many other incidents," he said following the game. "I had many incidents when I get kicked and everything, and I’ve never seen something so quick coming off as a red card. I just think it’s never a red card.”

And, if Fernandes is to be believed, Maddison was equally surprised. Fernandes told Sky Sports: “Apart from slipping going in, I don’t take him as everyone wants to see it.

“I don’t go with the studs, I take him with my ankle. It’s a clear foul but never a red card. That’s my feeling. Even Maddison, when he gets up, you can see in the image… he just said, ‘It’s a foul but it’s never a red card’. That’s what he said."

Fernandes also revealed that the referee believed his studs came into contact with Maddison. VAR saw no reason to overturn the challenge however and confirmed Kavanagh's call.

"I agree that it is a foul but it is never a foul," Fernandes added. "The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no. I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.

"If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case."

Despite feeling harshly judged, Fernades nevertheless felt compelled to front up to the fans and media. Players are exempt from conducting media duties after being shown red, but the United star believed he owed it to his team-mates.

"I just wanted to come and talk [do the interview] and be myself because my team-mates deserve that for what they have done in the game playing with one man less," he said. "Particularly as I was the man sent off, the one that let them down.

"The team showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience, a lot of fight. They tried. It wasn't easy."

Tottenham have launched an investigation into their own fans for homophobic chanting during their win over Manchester United.

The chant in question is aimed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and is believed to read: "Dom Solanke is f****** class, Mik Arteta takes it up the a***, 60 million down the drain, Dom Solanke scores again."

Solanke scored Tottenham's final goal as they smashed United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Brennan Johnson had opened the scoring after just two minutes and 35 seconds before United skipper Bruno Fernandes was sent off three minutes before half-time.

Dejan Kulusevski then doubled the visitors' lead before Solanke wrapped the scoring up by poking home. But Tottenham's celebrations were marred by that homophobic chanting, with the club left furious.

A club statement read: "The Club is aware of abhorrent homophobic chanting from sections of our away support at Old Trafford today. This is simply unacceptable, hugely offensive and no way to show support for the team.

"The Club will be working closely with the Police and stewards to identify anyone instigating or joining in with the chanting - we shall take the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy. Supporters in attendance today can report anything they’ve seen or heard in confidence to supporterservices@tottenhamhotspur.com.

"We shall be continuing our work with our LGBTQ+ supporters’ association, Proud Lilywhites, to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays.

"We are justly proud of our superb and loyal support, home and away. However, we all have a responsibility to act as ambassadors of Tottenham Hotspur and discrimination of any kind has no place at our Club."

The Proud Lilywhites welcome news of the investigation and the club's strongly-worded statement. The group also moved to remind their fellow fans of the impact of homophobic chanting.

A statement from the group read: "Loved what happened on the pitch at Old Trafford; didn’t love the homophobic chanting off the pitch. Dom deserves better and as for the other one...

"We’re all Spurs fans just like you. When you sing these songs you’re telling us we don’t belong; and we do—as much as you do."

Manchester United 's misery shows no sign of lifting after being torn apart by Tottenham, with Bruno Fernandes ' sent off.

Brennan Johnson gave the visitors the perfect start as he tapped home into an empty net after mere minutes following Micky van de Ven's charging run. Alejandro Garnacho went closest to an equaliser in what was a difficult first half for the hosts as his fierce volley struck the post.

But their hopes of a comeback were extinguished before the break after Fernandes was sent off for a high challenge on James Maddison. Dejan Kulusevski doubled Spurs' lead minutes after the break with an acrobatic finish.

Dominic Solanke rounded off the scoring with a late header. Here are all of the talking points from Old Trafford after a performance that Gary Neville slammed as an 'absolute disgrace' :

Johnson extends hot form

It was an absolutely electric start from Tottenham at Old Trafford - as one of the Premier League's most in-form players found himself on the scoresheet again. After defender Micky van de Ven had picked up the ball practically in his own half, he charged forwards.

He was allowed to run to the byline and pulled the ball across goal where Welsh winger Johnson was waiting. And he had a simple task to tap home into the empty net.

It represented the former Nottingham Forest winger's fourth goal of the campaign having scored in his previous three appearances. He only needs to find the net once more to match last season's entire total. He could even have got it at Old Trafford having struck the base of the post.

What went wrong for Man United vs Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Rashford has a rotter

After being restored to United's Premier League starting XI, Marcus Rashford certainly had a point to prove. But if anything, he only went as far as suggesting that his place was on the bench.

The Red Devils academy graduate turned in an awful performance. He pulled out of a challenge with Van de Ven shortly before Spurs' opener, while he also wasted an excellent opportunity to tee-up Joshua Zirkzee.

Supporters certainly let their displeasure be known with audible groans after Rashford opted to turn back in the first-half. The forward certainly has work to do should he want to remain in the team.

Fernandes sees red

United's absolutely rotten first-half was compounded by the sending off of their captain Bruno Fernandes. As he attempted to challenge James Maddison, the Portuguese playmaker slipped, with his studs making contact with the Spurs man's knee.

Referee Chris Kavanagh did not hesitate as he awarded Fernandes the first red card of his Old Trafford career. To Fernandes' credit, he did slip which certainly contribute to the challenge.

But that was of no consequence to the officials who saw fit to dismiss Fernandes, whose poor start to the season continues.

Kulusevski takes advantage

After starting the first-half in electric fashion, Spurs did exactly the same in the second as they took full advantage of their man advantage. Opening goalscorer Johnson sprinted unopposed down the right as he latched onto Dominic Solanke's header.

The Welshman managed to pick out Kulusevski, albeit with a slight touch off of Lisandro Martinez. And with the ball dropping, the Swede poked the ball home with an impressive, acrobatic finish.

After bringing on Casemiro at the break for a bit more solidarity, it represented the worst possible start to the second half for Ten Hag.

Ten Hag under scrutiny

If Ten Hag wasn't under pressure before the game, he certainly is now. The Dutchman's side turned in an absolutely insipid performance throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Spurs fans took great glee in that with their chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' bellowing around Old Trafford. And while it might be slightly early to suggest that, it is clear that Ten Hag's future is under real jeopardy.

With a big week coming up in which they will take on Porto and Aston Villa, Ten Hag needs some positive results, and now.

Damning scoring stats

With six games of the season played, United sit in the lowly position of 12th with just two wins. The most damning statistic is potentially the amount of times that they have scored.

Of their five Premier League goals this term, just ONE has come at Old Trafford. Bafflingly, that is already two fewer than Liverpool have scored at the Theatre of Dreams.

Spurs meanwhile also tripled their count with their display and could have found more had it not been for some poor finishing from Timo Werner. If Ten Hag is to keep his job, he really does need to fix the home form.

Solanke rounds off thumping

Despite their man disadvantage, the Red Devils actually played okay for the vast majority of the second-half. That was until Solanke finished off the scoring.

From a corner, midfielder Pape Matar Sarr nodded towards goal and the unmarked striker stuck out a toe to make it 3-0. It was his third goal in as many games.

Given there was some criticism given the lofty fee that Spurs paid for him, Solanke has certainly silenced those doubts.

Gary Neville blasted Marcus Rashford for his role in the build-up to Tottenham's opening goal against Manchester United on Sunday.

Brennan Johnson put the visitors ahead just two minutes and 35 seconds into the clash at Old Trafford with a tap-in from close range. Centre-back Micky van de Ven provided the cross for Johnson to score, having burst forward from his position in the Spurs backline.

He picked up the ball after a heavy touch from Rashford fell into his path, with the United star appearing to pull out of tackling the defender. Van den Ven then charged past a number of United defenders before pulling the ball back to Johnson who was left with an easy finish.

Rather than attempting to tackle Van de Ven or run back to stop him, Rashford simply carried on running toward the Spurs goal. And as he watched the replay, Neville issued a scorching analysis of Rashford's role in the goal.

The pundit said on commentary for Sky Sports: "Rubbish from him [Rashford]." He later added: "Marcus Rashford it’s poor to be honest, his touch is heavy and awful and he’s got to do better than that. Even if he dives in and gives a foul away.”

Neville did also praise Van de Ven for his starring moment though. He said: "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant from Van de Ven. One of the best runs I've ever seen from a centre-back."

Rashford endured a difficult afternoon after Johnson's goal. He completed just 67 percent of his passes, had just one touch in the Spurs box and failed to have a shot as the game reached the midway point of the first-half.

At one point, he failed to find an unmarked Joshua Zirkzee with a pass from out wide, which would likely have ended with at least a shot on goal. He then ran the ball out of play as he tried to get past Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was to blame for Brennan Johnson's goal? Comment below.

While Rashford in particular endured a tough day, former Everton star Leon Osman insisted it was a wider issue. He hailed the performance of Spurs in the opening 20 minutes as he warned United were not at the races.

"Absolutely outstanding from Micky van de Ven. He drives through the space. Spurs have started this game well and they have played through the phases of the pitch," Osman told 5 Live.

"Playing at home at Old Trafford you want to get off to a quick start, but Man Utd don't pressurise Tottenham. It is all Tottenham Hotspur, Man Utd cannot get near them.

"Spurs have started sharper in and out of possession. United look shell-shocked. Spurs have the second most possession in the Premier League. They are a team that like to take the ball."

Son Heung-min did his best to make Tottenham’s trip to Manchester United - but fell just short.

The Spurs skipper suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday night’s Europa League win over Qarabag and was taken off as a precaution. Initially, the 32-year-old had hoped to be fit enough to feature at Old Trafford.

Indeed, speaking at his pre-match press conference, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had voiced his hope that Son would be available to lead out his side. But after training on Saturday, the decision was made that the game would come too soon.

Postecoglou revealed on Sunday: “He just wasn't right for today so we go in without him. We've had those things a fair bit. We just have to learn to cope without.”

Stepping into the breach left by Son is Timo Werner, the Germany international who has been largely playing second fiddle in North London this term after extending his loan spell from RB Leipzig.

"Timo [Werner] is most comfortable in that position. We brought him into the club for situations like this. Facing a big club, iconic stadium, plenty of attention - these are the kind of games you want to be involved in.”

Werner joins an attack with Brennan Johnson having found form and £60million Dominic Solanke having scored in each of his last two appearances, a record he is keen to extend at Old Trafford.

He said: “We are not scared of anyone so we will go there and be on the front foot. One of the reasons why I was so delighted to come to Tottenham was the play style. It suits me. I love it. When the team is playing well, we can dominate games. The way that we play will create chances for me.”

A surprising choice sees Yves Bissouma left out in an attacking Spurs lineup, with Rodrigo Bentancur the only holding midfielder. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both start.

Son could return when Spurs face Ferencvaros in the Europa League in midweek.

Marcus Rashford has returned to the Manchester United line-up for Sunday's must-win clash with Tottenham.

The forward was benched for the Red Devils' last Premier League outing against Crystal Palace last weekend, a decision that has garnered criticism. But after restoring Rashford to the side during the Europa League clash with FC Twente, the United academy graduate returns to a Premier League starting line-up for the showdown with Spurs.

Rashford had enjoyed a positive start to the campaign with three goals in eight games - albeit two of those strikes coming in the 7-0 win against League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. He will lead the line alongside Joshua Zirkzee, while Alejandro Garnacho also starts in attack against Spurs.

There's also another notable name also on the teamsheet. Manuel Ugarte, who moved to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain, makes his first Premier League start. He is alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the heart of the Red Devils' midfield.

Former Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have been named in defence, while Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot round off the back four. Andre Onana is predictably between the sticks.

While the Red Devils have a near full complement to choose from, Spurs were dealt a major blow ahead of the game. Captain Son Heung-min was ruled out with a hamstring isue he picked up in the midweek win vs Qarabag.

That was despite Ange Postecoglou being optimistic of his chances of playing. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Australian said: "Sonny, I don’t think is too bad.

Who will win between Man United and Spurs? Share your predictions in the comments below

"He wants to train tomorrow (Saturday) and we will see how it goes and make a decision from there. We have another day up our sleeve to give him every chance."

In more positive news, £60m forward Dominic Solanke was fit to start following an excellent run of form. The former Bournemouth man had scored in each of his last two games in all competitions.

Spurs went with an attacking set-up at Old Trafford with Timo Werner, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski all selected to start.

Rodrigo Bentancur was selected as the holding midfielder. Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro were named in a back four ahead of Guglielmo Vicario

Man Utd starting XI: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.

Spurs starting X: Vicario; Udogie, Van de ben, Romero, Porro; Bentancur, Kulusevski, Maddison; Werner, Johnson, Solanke.