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Man Utd chief exec Richard Arnold believes the club is making good progress

  /  autty

Erik ten Hag retains the full backing of Manchester United's board despite their dismal start to the season, according to reports.

United suffered another humbling at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester City on Sunday, condemning Ten Hag's side to their fifth defeat from their opening 10 league games.

It is the first time since 1986 that United have suffered five losses in their first 10 matches since 1986.

Ten Hag's side put in another dismal display in the 3-0 defeat by City but the Manchester Evening News report that he still has the support of the club's decision-makers.

Chief executive Richard Arnold has also reportedly claimed United 'are making good progress' - even though they are already eight points adrift of the top four and facing possible early elimination from the Champions League.

Arnold's claim was widely criticised by fans on X, formerly known as Twitter.

One wrote: 'What progress? The club is a joke to them obviously.'

Another added: 'If I was doing a bad job and wanted to justify my poor work, I’d be saying this too.'

A third said: 'This club is laughable', while another supporter said: 'Which Manchester United, does he watch the games?'

Arnold, who was at Old Trafford for the Manchester derby, is reportedly expected to leave his position if Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £1.4bn minority stake offer is approved.

Ten Hag, who is under contract until 2025, is also coming under increasing pressure amid United's woeful start to the campaign.

His decision to substitute £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund in the 73rd minute of Sunday's game at Old Trafford was loudly booed by fans inside the ground, while supporters also questioned his team selection after Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon were both left on the bench.

Ten Hag later said he had opted to start Victor Lindelof at left back and Jonny Evans next to Harry Maguire for tactical reasons.

United have also lacked any discernible style and identity on the pitch this season, although they have had to contend with injuries to a significant number of first-team stars.