TEN HAG TURNS A DEAF EAR TO TALK HE’LL BE SACKED

ERIK TEN HAG says he ‘ doesn’t care’ about speculation over his future at Manchester United as he tries to deliver the results that could save him from the sack.

New co- owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains undecided over Ten Hag, but there is a significant possibility the Dutchman will stay in charge beyond the end of the season if United qualify for the Champions League, having already reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

England boss Gareth Southgate branded the speculation over Ten Hag as ‘ completely disrespectful’ last week when he effectively ruled himself out of a long list of potential replacements this summer.

Ten Hag seemed unfazed by it all yesterday, saying: ‘You know when you are working at Man United there will always be noise, rumours around the club, the team, the manager and the players. But we are focusing on the process and on the team to play better to improve the way of play.

‘I was trained at Ajax and it was similar. When you are working in top football, you get used to it. So we don’t care. Players don’t care. I don’t care. We are together in the boat and we know we have to perform and get the right results.’

Ten Hag returns to the scene of one of his lowest points as United manager tonight when he takes on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, having suffered a 4-0 defeat there in his second game in charge last season.

Lisandro Martinez could return after eight weeks out with a knee injury, while United will make a late decision over Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, who has been ill.

Mainoo’s meteoric rise continued with his first appearances for the England senior side during the international break, and Ten Hag said that he and his coaching staff will keep the teenager’s feet on the ground in the unlikely event that success goes to his head.

‘So far, he handles it very well and if he crosses the line, I as a manager and we as coaches will interfere,’ added the United boss.

Gary O’Neil yesterday said there was no truth in reports that he will leave Wolves to replace Ten Hag.

‘I don’t know where it came from,’ said the Wolves boss. ‘Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special. It’s an honour to be linked, even if there’s no truth in it. I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves. I was only made aware of (the links) by the media team to prepare for your questions.’