Ten Hag in plea for fans to keep faith in Red Devils

UNDER-FIRE Erik ten Hag pleaded for fans to stay patient after misfiring Manchester United blew a late lead against relegation-threatened Burnley at an unhappy Old Trafford.

Things have gone off the boil since United won the Carabao Cup, reached the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League during a promising first season under the Dutchman.

United are scrapping for Europa League qualification having already blown their Champions League hopes, with May’s FA Cup final against Manchester City offering a chance to end a poor campaign on a high.

That may not prove enough to keep Ten Hag in the job under ambitious Ineos, who watched the Red Devils surrender another advantage in Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with struggling Burnley.

Boos greeted the final whistle having earlier echoed even louder when Kobbie Mainoo was replaced by Scott McTominay as part of a second-half double switch that also saw Rasmus Hojlund taken off.

The United boss defended that decision and called for patience, saying he needed to protect players who form the core of a young side from injury.

“We have some very young players and that’s why we built this club back,” Ten Hag said. “That takes time, and we build this by bringing in young players.

“I am sorry for everyone. So, I am very impatient but there we need patience and fans they need patience. We built here a team, and they need experience. The mental (side), when you get fatigue you have to keep focus.”

Clarets boss Vincent Kompany said: “We showed team spirit. Burnley did themselves proud today.”