Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under scrutiny following Sunday's Manchester derby, with a number of his own players reportedly unhappy with some tactical decisions

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Football Digest: Man Utd urged to give Ten Hag time he needs

Manchester United players were left questioning Erik ten Hag's tactical approach following Sunday's chastening derby drubbing at the hands of Manchester City.

The Red Devils made a bright start at Old Trafford but fell behind courtesy of an Erling Haaland penalty midway through the first-half. United's noisy neighbours ran riot, though, after the break, with Haaland adding a second before teeing up Phil Foden as City cantered to a memorable 3-0 triumph.

The result will only increase the pressure on Ten Hag, who has endured a difficult start to the 2023/24 campaign after winning plenty of plaudits during his maiden year at the helm. But the fact that his players were reportedly unimpressed with his approach against City doesn't exactly bode well for the Dutchman or United.

Despite United's poor showing in the derby - and the wider uncertainty surrounding the future of the club amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's bid to take control of sporting matters - it appears that Ten Hag's position is not currently in jeopardy.

That's because chief executive Richard Arnold, who was in attendance at Sunday's match, has told observers that the club are still making "good progress" under the stewardship of Ten Hag - despite the fact that the Dutchman oversaw United's worst start to a season in 37 years.

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Several Manchester United players unimpressed with Erik ten Hag's approach in the Manchester derby ( Image:

Discontent from the dressing room will still be a concern, though, particularly given United have now lost five of their opening 10 Premier League matches. The club have also struggled in Europe, although they did finally get off the mark in the Champions League at the third attempt last week.

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After enduring a difficult afternoon at Old Trafford - where fans also booed his decision to substitute Rasmus Hojlund while United were chasing the game - Ten Hag remained upbeat post-match. He told reporters: "The three games before we won, and the spirit is very good, so I think we are on the way up.

"The start was difficult but we are on the way up. I am sure when we have some injured players coming back our side will be stronger. We have to be patient."