Erik ten Hag defiantly slammed “fairy tales and lies” about his Manchester United future as the under-fire boss insisted he is not in danger of the sack. Ten Hag is widely believed to be in a fight to save his job after presiding over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989-90. 

United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s visit from Brentford, whose manager Thomas Frank has been linked with replacing the Dutchman at Old Trafford.