Manchester United head coach Erik Ten Hag is confident that he can lead the club out of the slump. United suffered a 2-1 loss against Nottm Forest at City Ground on Saturday. The Red Devils have managed a solitary win in their last five matches, losing three games and drawing one.

In the ongoing season, United have lost nine games out of the 20 they have played, managing 10 wins. Ten Hag’s team is currently in seventh place in the standings with 31 points, nine points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Manchester United undergo a change of football structure when INEOS completes their 25% investment with Premier League ratification in the weeks ahead.

“Of course, they [INEOS] know me and they know when I have the squad what is available then the results will be there,” Ten Hag said. “We have already proved against the top teams that we can go head to head.

“I am convinced and I have strong belief that we can get progress in this team and get more consistency than this moment. It is part of a project.

“We were over-performing last year, this year — so far — we are under-performing and we have to do better. We have to step up. I have to lead the process.

“I know when [injured] players return, I’m sure this side will be stronger. You have to be clear, clinical and analyse this.”

United had beaten second-placed Aston Villa by 3-2 but could not keep up the good show against Nottm Forest. The Dutchman reckons inconsistency is leading to the team’s downfall.

“One thing is clear, we are not consistent,” he said. “We can beat the best teams in the league but we also lose against the others and today was one of them.”

Manchester United will take on Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on 9th January.