Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to claims that members of the first-team squad are leaking stories to the media.
The Red Devils have made a slow start to the 2023/24 season despite coming off the back of a promising 2022/23 campaign.
They have lost three of their opening five Premier League matches, while Ten Hag’s men were beaten 4-3 by Bayern Munich in their first Champions League group stage game on Wednesday evening.
Reports from the English media suggest that the United squad are beginning to question Ten Hag’s tactical choices and there are accusations that he has preferential treatment for some of his star players.
Ten Hag was asked about these reports in a press conference on Friday ahead of their trip to Burnley, but admitted he did not know for sure if there was a leak coming from the dressing room.
“I don’t know if it’s a leak but I know opinion, I know my players. Everyone can make suggestions, we are okay with it,” he said.
“At United, you have to win every game so it doesn’t change anything. As always, it’s about how we play against Burnley, there’s no easy game, definitely not against Burnley.”
United’s form on the pitch follows a string of high-profile incidents off it. The club have been criticised for their handling of Mason Greenwood’s return, while Antony is currently on leave to deal with accusations of assault from three women, and Jadon Sancho is training away from the first-team for a disciplinary issue.
Ten Hag was quizzed on whether he has been surprised by the challenges that have faced him at United so far.
“No. It’s my second year. I know it’s not always going up, you will have your gaps and you get stronger from it as long as you stay together,” he replied.
“That’s what we’re doing. In the dressing room, staff, all the staff, coaches, medical, everyone is united and at United you fight.”
