Erik ten Hag had hoped his Manchester United team would kill off Nottingham Forest earlier than they did as they ran out 2-0 victors at the City Ground on Sunday.

Antony put the Red Devils ahead in the first-half, but United struggled to find a way past Keylor Navas again until Diogo Dalot grabbed a second in the 76th minute.

United ended the game with an expected goals rate (xG) of 3.49, and ultimately secured three points to leapfrog Newcastle United into third place in the Premier League.

"A solid performance. A well deserved win. The only criticism I could say, it had to be higher, the score. It had to be 3-0 or 4-0. We missed a lot of chances there," Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the game.

"You want to score and finish and kill the game in the early moments. That's always important. In big games you don't create so many chances, so you have to score them.

"We need more goalscorers and I'm happy with Antony. He scored a goal, gave an assist. His start in the game wasn't that good... But after he came into the game and he was continually a threat for the opponent."

United were without top scorer Marcus Rashford through injury, as well as defensive pair Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez after both suffered knocks in Thursday's 2-2 Europa League quarter-final first leg draw with Sevilla.

To add to Ten Hag's issues, Marcel Sabitzer was forced to pull out of the game after being injured in the warm-up on Sunday, and was replaced by Christian Eriksen.

It may have even been a benefit for Ten Hag, with the midfield trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes winning 15 of their 17 matches started together at the club, drawing the other two.

"Sabitzer came off in the warm-up, he felt something. We decided not to take the risk, we will find out tomorrow what it is," the Red Devils' manager explained to BBC Sport. "But when you have Eriksen on the bench, it is definitely not a disadvantage.

"Last week I had nine fit top defenders, now I have four. We need all our players, we are still in three competitions, we need all the players to form a top team."

Dalot celebrated with notable enthusiasm when he made it 2-0 after running onto a pass from Antony and finishing calmly, and he explained to the BBC: "It was a release of emotions, more than the goal it was the moment of the goal, we needed it to be more comfortable.

"One-nil up with 10 minutes to go, it's going to be a war, so it came at the right moment."

Erik ten Hag has made his desire to sign a new striker for Manchester United ahead of next season clear.

The Red Devils are still fighting on three fronts this season as they battle to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, as well as chasing glory in the FA Cup and Europa League.

United's pursuit of glory to add to the EFL Cup crown secured earlier this year has come despite a lack of central options in attack.

Wout Weghorst was signed on loan in January following the termination of Cristiano Ronaldo's contract before the World Cup in Qatar and, while performing admirably, is not the calibre of striker United are crying out for.

Ten Hag expects to change that when the window reopens for business, expressing the need for such a recruit.

"Everyone is different, obviously, but for a striker the main thing is to score goals by any method, that is so far ahead of anything else," he told Sky Sports.

"We need a striker who scores goals because we have ability in the team to put balls in the box, so we need a striker to finish.

"We have to build a new future and we need a striker who not only scores goals but contributes by linking up play very well and pressing, which is very important."

While recruitment of a new striker is clearly a priority for the upcoming transfer window, United will have to look within to provide the difference until the end of the season.

Having thrown away a two-goal lead on Thursday to draw 2-2 with Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final first leg, Ten Hag is keen for his side to be more ruthless.

"First it has to come out of the development of the team, so we are aware that when we are dominant in a game, we have to kill the game," he added.

"We didn't do that and we let the opponent back in the tie. That was not good, it's a bad habit we have to hammer out.

"We demand from the players and the players demand from each other.

"You do your job always to 100 per cent, there are no ifs, buts or maybes, you have to deliver the performance in every circumstance."

United are away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

Erik ten Hag told Manchester United to "look in the mirror" and cut out their costly errors as he deployed a Dutch idiom to explain how he saved Bruno Fernandes from a costly Europa League red card.

The United manager threw his support behind Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who could both get a run in the team after injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane blighted Thursday's 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford.

He also said it was too soon to gauge the severity of those injuries, even though he has his private suspicions.

Ten Hag then brought a touch of levity to a routine pre-match press conference, ahead of Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest, when he explained why he substituted playmaker Fernandes against Sevilla.

The Dutch boss suspected his Portuguese star was at risk of being sent off, having thrown the ball away after already being booked, and he guessed any further indiscipline would see the key man ordered off.

"I don't want to take a risk. Where I come from, they call it 'looking a cow in the ass'. We call it that in my region of the Netherlands," Ten Hag said.

United were 2-0 up at the time of the substitution, with Christian Eriksen taking over from Fernandes.

Late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Maguire scuppered hopes of victory in the first leg of the quarter-final, however, after Marcel Sabitzer's early double had put United in control.

"We had back luck definitely with injuries and the goals," Ten Hag said. "But you can avoid it, and we had to avoid it, so we also have to look in the mirror."

Asked about the injuries, Ten Hag could not specify how long Martinez and Varane may face on the sidelines. Reports Martinez may have a broken metatarsal were brushed aside but not denied.

Ten Hag said: "I don't have a complete diagnosis, so I can't say in this moment. When we have news we will give it straight to you.

"But let's do the medical, do their assessment and get a complete diagnosis, and then we will give the news. But I think it doesn't change in this moment. I have an idea, but I don't go with speculation."

He wants Maguire and Lindelof to prove their value to the team, although Maguire must miss next week's FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion due to suspension.

Ten Hag said he had "a lot" of faith in both defenders, who have faced criticism in the past, saying: "They are decent centre-halves. We have four or five very good centre-halves who can do the job."

What Ten Hag would have no time for is anyone who might see it as a big demand to come into the first team from out in the cold.

"I think then you're finding excuses and when you want to find excuses or set excuses then you don't have to play at Man United and you have to look for another club," Ten Hag said. "You have to wait for your moment and when your moment is there you have to contribute and to bring your performance, this is what we demand."

Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw, both absent against Sevilla, could be back on duty at the City Ground this weekend.

French forward Anthony Martial will also be involved but is unlikely to play 90 minutes as United manage his fitness after a recent hip problem.

"Maybe he can, but it's a risk," said Ten Hag, "and we can't take that risk at this moment because we don't have so many options in the front line with [Marcus] Rashford and [Alejandro] Garnacho injured, so we have to be careful."

Erik ten Hag was left ruing injury problems as Manchester United suffered late heartbreak against Sevilla in the Europa League, while Marcel Sabitzer slammed "two stupid goals" to concede.

Sabitzer's first-half double seemingly had United in complete control of Thursday's quarter-final first leg, with Ten Hag's hosts dominant throughout at Old Trafford.

Yet a Tyrell Malacia own goal six minutes from time handed Sevilla hope before Harry Maguire deflected into his own net in the 92nd minute.

Ten Hag insisted United's 2-2 draw was down to bad fortune, as opposed to his substitutes collapsing under late pressure.

The United manager told BT Sport: "I think we had the game in hand, we were 2-0 up and should have scored three or four. The game was totally on us.

"Some unlucky moments with injuries. Raphael Varane at half-time, Anthony Martial because it was his first start, Antony and Bruno Fernandes because they were on a yellow card.

"Then we lose control at an unlucky moment, then another unlucky moment with Lisandro [Martinez] going off injured when we go down to 10.

"We conceded two own goals, that is bad luck. We have to learn, we have to kill the game, but everything is open for the next game.

"I know we can do better with those players in the last part of the game, we had to be more composed and could benefit from our counter-attacking opportunities, but we didn't.

"We were a little bit unlucky with the defending, two own goals and deflected shots, it's not a nice night."

The late drama saw United become just the second English side to score two own goals in a single match in a major European competition, after Chelsea against Ten Hag's Ajax in November 2019.

It was also the first time United failed to win a match in a major European competition when they had a two-goal lead, since a 3-3 draw with Basel in September 2011.

Sabitzer was left struggling to find an explanation for the chaotic finale after United relinquished what appeared to be an unassailable position.

"I have problems finding the right words, like a rollercoaster game," the United loanee told BT Sport.

"We played a good first half, had good chances after and we had to finish the game off. At the end, it is a draw and that's not what we wanted so we have to go to Sevilla and get it done there.

"Unfortunately we gave away easy goals, we cannot concede these types of goals and we are very disappointed now.

"In a competition like this you have to be focused until the end, when you have a per cent less you can give the game away.

"I think the last minutes were a bit strange, one man down and we had to get the result done.

"But as I said, two stupid goals and that is not what we wanted. Very frustrated. You cannot concede like this and not focus until the end when you are 2-0 up at home, you have to get it done."

United will hope to fight back in the return leg at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, though the Red Devils face a nervy wait on the fitness of key centre-back pairing Varane and Martinez.

Ten Hag suggested Varane aggravated an injury that kept him on the sidelines after March's international break, while the Dutchman was concerned Martinez went down despite not challenging another player.

"Licha drops out after a moment when there was no opponent involved, it doesn't look that great so we have to wait," Ten Hag added.

"The same with Rafa, an injury he has complained about over the last few weeks, so we have to see how it is now."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expects Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw to return from injury fairly soon but revealed Alejandro Garnacho's situation is "more severe".

United confirmed on Wednesday that Rashford is due to miss "a few games" after sustaining a muscle injury in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton.

The striker pulled up late on with apparent groin discomfort and was swiftly withdrawn, meaning United will have to cope without their leading scorer for the time being, starting with Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg at home to Sevilla.

Shaw will also miss the visit of Jose Luis Mendilibar's side after being absent for the weekend win over Everton.

United have not confirmed what injury Shaw is suffering from, but Ten Hag seems to believe he will not be out for much longer – unlike Garnacho.

The young winger was injured a month ago against Southampton and Ten Hag seemingly is not expecting him back soon.

Asked whether Shaw or Garnacho would be able to face Sevilla, Ten Hag told reporters: "No, both [are] not available.

"Definitely the injury of Garnacho is more severe, is more strong, but Luke Shaw I expect him back at short notice, yes."

As for Rashford, Ten Hag was unable to be any more specific than United's earlier statement saying he would be out for "a few games".

Though he insisted the England international will not be out for long.

"A few games, so that's the statement" he said. "I can't give more details on it because we don't know. We'll have to see it how it develops.

"It's a setback and he's disappointed, but he's not totally broke because he will return quickly. He's started his rehab and that helps to get back soon."

Manchester United are at their best when Anthony Martial is in the team, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

Martial's career at Old Trafford since signing from Monaco in 2015 has been plagued by injuries, with the forward loaned out to Sevilla for the second half of last season where he scored just once in 12 appearances.

A strong pre-season meant this campaign started with optimism, though he has again been in and out of the line-up because of his fitness with Marcus Rashford's goals proving crucial in his absence.

With Rashford ruled out for several games with a muscle injury and January loan signing Wout Weghorst struggling in front of goal, Ten Hag needs Martial to start firing if United are to add more silverware to the EFL Cup they lifted in February, which ended a six-year trophy drought.

Ten Hag is confident the 27-year-old will be a big help over the rest of the season, though he will not rush the forward back to the team before he is ready despite him scoring off the bench in the 2-0 victory over Everton at the weekend.

"We don't have to force things," Ten Hag told reporters. "We are careful. The front line against Everton worked really well.

"When he [Martial] is in the team, we play our best football and we have our best results as a team. The time he needs for a goal is less. I defend him because I point to the stats and see how he contributes."

Martial's first start since January could come against his former side Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday as United meet the six-time winners in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag believes Martial is ready to play from the off for the first time since returning from a hip injury, saying: "I think he is ready to start.

"But the front line did very well against Brentford and we picked the same against Everton. The advantage was we could bring Martial back slowly, giving him minutes, but I think already against Everton he was ready to start the game."

United could also be boosted by Christian Eriksen being available for the starting XI for the first time in over three months, after his strong start with the Red Devils was hampered by an ankle injury suffered against Reading in the FA Cup fourth round back in January.

Ten Hag believes the Denmark international's return will improve United's midfield, explaining: "I think the balance in the midfield was good with Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno [Fernandes].

"Casemiro is the balance player, Eriksen can support him but also go to the final part of the game, can create chances with key passes.

"So yeah, a really important player and I think he had seven or eight assists in the league, which tells the story."

Marcus Rashford will miss Manchester United's next few games, the Premier League giants have confirmed.

Rashford suffered a muscle injury in United's 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday.

It was revealed on Wednesday that not only will the in-form forward be out for the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla on Thursday, but further games beyond that.

The 25-year-old has had a fine season for the Red Devils, scoring 28 goals in 47 outings, but will now miss the next "few games".

The club stated: "Marcus Rashford will be unavailable for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final game against Sevilla because of a muscle injury.

"The forward was withdrawn in the 80th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Old Trafford and immediately headed to the dressing room for treatment.

"Subsequent assessment of the injury suggested that Marcus will be unavailable for a few games, but is expected to be back for the season run-in."

United manager Erik ten Hag told the club's website he has confidence in other players stepping up to take on the goalscoring burden, with their next top scorers for the season after Rashford being Bruno Fernandes (10), Antony (7), Anthony Martial (7) and Fred (6).

"We have many more players across the squad who can score," he said. 

"I think we have players like Bruno, like Jadon Sancho, like Anthony Martial, like Scott McTominay, like Antony. We have enough players with the capabilities to score goals, definitely."

After they face Sevilla at Old Trafford, United visit Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, before the return leg in Seville next Thursday.

Erik ten Hag warned Manchester United must be more clinical after they moved a step closer to qualifying for the Champions League by beating Everton 2-0.

United leapfrogged Newcastle United into third place in the Premier League table ahead of the Magpies' trip to Brentford with a comfortable victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Scott McTominay scored his first goal of the season nine minutes before half-time and Anthony Martial came off the bench to seal all three points in the second half.

United's 21 shots in the first half were more than any other side have registered in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match this season, but Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was outstanding as they had only a single goal to show for it.

Over the 90 minutes, United missed seven big chances, a joint-high in a single game across the league this season.

Marcus Rashford was denied by England team-mate Pickford time and again before the Red Devils' leading goalscorer limped off late on with a groin injury.

United manager Ten Hag wants to see better finishing from his side as they strive to secure a top-four finish, while also going for Europa League and FA Cup glory.

He told BBC's Match of the Day: "We have to be more clinical and more ruthless and this game has to be finished by half-time, and we didn't.

"But it is still a very good performance, and it is still a big compliment to the team."

Ten Hag praised midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was so influential in the middle of the park, creating six chances.

He said of the Portugal international: "I think he was brilliant. He has played brilliant in a deeper role, and even last week against Newcastle he played very well, and today he was brilliant.

"He was definitely the best player on the pitch."

Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players they cannot afford to let their performance levels drop when they face struggling Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United snapped a three-game winless streak in the Premier League, including a 7-0 hammering at fierce rivals Liverpool, with a 1-0 victory over Brentford in midweek.

That moved the Red Devils into fourth place, three points clear of Tottenham with a game in hand in the battle for Champions League football next season.

But Ten Hag warned there is still plenty of work to do in United's remaining 10 games, starting with this weekend's visit of an Everton side fighting for survival.

"You have to do it every game and that means preparation, but it has to be the standard," Ten Hag said of his side's mentality. "You're playing for Man United, so there's the demand.

"No ifs or buts. A player must deliver when you play for Manchester United. You must be accountable. It's about demands, so we must match standards always.

"For a player playing at the top, competing for trophies, competing for the Premier League, you have to do it always, consistently. It's our job to bring that mentality in."

Everton followed up a 2-2 draw away at Chelsea prior to the international break with a 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham, but they are only outside the relegation on goal difference.

The Toffees are unbeaten in four league games – their best run since a run of six that ended on October 1 – and boss Sean Dyche wants them to continue with the same mindset.

"It is about the mentality on a daily basis and taking that into games," he said. "We work at a certain level in training; we want that to go into every game we play.

"It's a different mindset for me and the work we do and the work to progress where we want to be. I think that work is in progress."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United - Christian Eriksen

Ten Hag revealed on the eve of the game that Eriksen will be part of United's squad for the first time since injuring his ankle at the end of January, having made a swifter-than-expected return.

The Denmark international was a key player for United prior to his lay-off, assisting seven goals and scoring one of his own in 19 Premier League appearances.

Everton - Alex Iwobi

Iwobi has gone six league games without a goal involvement for Everton, but there is no denying his influence in the side.

Among Everton players in the league this season, the Nigeria international ranks top for possession won in the final third (26), chances created (47) and successful take-ons (41).

MATCH PREDICTION - UNITED WIN

Everton have undoubtedly improved under Dyche, having collected 12 points from their nine Premier League matches since he took over, which is seven more than they managed in their final 12 under Frank Lampard.

United have won all three matches in the early Saturday kick-off slot this season, including victory over Manchester City in January, and they are unbeaten in 24 games at Old Trafford in all competitions.

The Red Devils have also lost just one of their past 29 Premier League home games against Everton, with that coming in December 2013, though each of the past three fixtures between the sides in Manchester have finished all square.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

United - 52.7 per cent

Everton - 20.6 per cent

Draw - 26.7 per cent

Christian Eriksen will return to Manchester United's matchday squad for Saturday's clash with Everton after over two months out.

The Denmark international suffered an ankle injury in an FA Cup win over Reading on January 28 after being on the receiving end of a crude challenge by Andy Carroll.

Manager Erik ten Hag was not shy in voicing his displeasure with Carroll's tackle over the following days, with it then emerging Eriksen was facing up to three months out.

That was a major disappointment for United given how quickly the Dane had established himself as a key player at Old Trafford.

But Eriksen's rehabilitation has gone well and he is in contention to play a part against visitors Everton on Saturday, meaning he will have missed a little over two months rather than being ruled out until May, as was feared.

The good news of Eriksen's return was tempered by the blow of losing Luke Shaw after he was substituted early against Brentford on Wednesday, but the midfielder was the chief focus in Ten Hag's pre-match press conference.

Asked for a squad fitness update, Ten Hag said: "Luke Shaw is not available for [Everton], and we have to see how it progresses in the coming week.

"The good news is Christian Eriksen is back in training and he will be back tomorrow in the squad."

Although United have since won the EFL Cup, progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four spot, their form over the past two months has been patchy.

United's win rate with Eriksen this season is 63.2 per cent, compared to 44.4 per cent without him.

Other factors have come into play with respect to United's recent inconsistency, with Casemiro also missing a significant amount of football due to multiple suspensions.

But the importance of Eriksen's timely return at a decisive moment in the season was not lost on Ten Hag.

"I think it was not for nothing," he said. "I was so angry about that tackle and he was away – at first we feared we had lost him for the whole season, but he worked very well.

"I think the medical department did really well and in togetherness he is already returning to the squad and so is available for the final stages of the season. We are very pleased with that.

"From the first [point] it was a really bad tackle and it was also a really bad injury, but he is a little bit ahead of the schedule so we are very happy with [that]."

Christian Eriksen could make his first Manchester United appearance since January when the Red Devils host Everton on Saturday, Erik ten Hag has revealed.

Eriksen has not played since an FA Cup win over Reading in late January, having sustained an ankle injury during that game.

United initially handled the midfielder's absence well as they lifted the EFL Cup in February, though Ten Hag's men endured a three-game winless run in the Premier League prior to Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Brentford.

Asked whether Eriksen could return to the matchday squad against Everton after that win, Ten Hag told Viaplay in Denmark: "We will see. We see it from day to day.

"He is progressing. He is only back in team training this week. We have two sessions. After that, we will decide if he is back in the squad again."

United have won 63.2 per cent of the Premier League games in which Eriksen has appeared this season (12 of 19), compared to 44.4 per cent of those he has missed (four of nine).

The Red Devils have relied on a midfield pairing of Eriksen and Casemiro for much of this campaign, and the Brazilian will serve the final game of his four-match domestic ban against the Toffees.

While Ten Hag is excited by the duo's return, he believes United's other midfielders have stepped up in their absence, adding: "They're two very important players for us, don't get me wrong, but we have a good squad. 

"[Against Brentford] there was brilliant midfield occupation with Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. Marcel Sabitzer, in his role, was very good. 

"I can't say this midfield trio was bad, not at all. It was very good."

Erik ten Hag acknowledged Manchester United are too reliant on Marcus Rashford after the forward's latest goal guided the Red Devils to a 1-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday.

United ended a three-game run without a win – or a goal – in the Premier League as Rashford's close-range finish was enough to down the resolute Bees.

Rashford has scored 15 of United's 42 Premier League goals this season, while his total of 11 strikes since the World Cup is more than any other player in the competition.

Asked whether United have been over-reliant on Rashford this season, Ten Hag told BBC Sport: "Yes, it's the truth.

"But we know other players can score as well. Bruno [Fernandes] can score as well. We have many more players across the squad who can score."

Speaking to United's media channels, Ten Hag said of Rashford: "He played a very good game. I think he was very versatile. He came out of the frontline and we used him as the target, but he also went out wide. 

"You can talk almost every game about [him] and when he's not in the game like Sunday [against Newcastle United], it's not good for us. 

"We have to bring him into the game but also he has to take responsibility, and [so do] other players. 

"He has to be ready to get into those positions and therefore he needs energy, he needs focus, and he has to bring it every game. Today, a great finish again gives us the three points."

Rashford has now scored 10 winning goals in the Premier League this season, the most recorded by a United player in a single campaign since Wayne Rooney in 2009-10 (also 10).

The England forward has 28 goals across all competitions this term, a tally only bettered by Erling Haaland (42) and Kylian Mbappe (31) among players from Europe's top five leagues.

Erik ten Hag knows Manchester United's players are only human, but feels he must demand they "act as robots" in order to deliver results.

United slipped to a lacklustre 2-0 defeat in their return to Premier League action on Sunday against top-four rivals Newcastle United.

Though they have impressed in the FA Cup and Europa League, just one point from their last three top-flight games has left them fifth in the table.

Ten Hag, however, has no doubt his squad can rediscover their best.

"I agree we return to old habits, but I also know there are fluctuations," he told The Guardian. "[Players] are not robots. But we have to act as robots, as machines.

"We have to expect and demand of our players that they match the standards so when we are not doing [that] we are disappointed because that is our job.

"We have shown in so many games that [we can do that]. It was a tough, very strong belief, [with] confidence and passion and togetherness.

"We have, and have shown it in many games. We have shown we can win the games, but you have to do it in every game because that is the demand of Manchester United."

United can push themselves back into the Champions League qualification places with a win over Brentford on Wednesday, having games in hand on fourth-place Tottenham.

Ten Hag will also have one eye on next week's return to Europa League action, with the club set to host Sevilla a week on Thursday in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

Christian Eriksen returns to full training with Manchester United on Tuesday, manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed.

The Denmark international has been sidelined since January with an ankle injury but remains hopeful of featuring before the end of the season.

While Eriksen will not be available to feature against his former side, Brentford, on Wednesday, a return could be right around the corner.

"He's not ready for tomorrow but he's returning to the pitch and into team training today, so we now have to see how quickly he can make progress," Ten Hag said at a press conference.

Eriksen's continued absence in midfield is further complicated by Casemiro's suspension. He was issued a four-match suspension following his red card in the goalless draw against Southampton and remains absent for the midweek clash, as well as Saturday's meeting with Everton.

Ten Hag accepts that losing two players of such a high calibre has an impact on the side but called on his squad to step up, expressing a necessity to win.

"They are two quality players. In the midfield department, games will be decided. When you miss two quality players, it's a clear [impact], but you have a squad and, when you don't have them, you still have to win," he added.

After winning the EFL Cup in February, United have hit a poor run of form in the Premier League with a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool and 2-0 loss at Newcastle either side of the aforementioned draw with Saints, dropping to fifth after Tottenham's Monday draw with Everton.

United are tied on points with Newcastle and Spurs, though hold two games in hand over the latter, but the club's struggles in the league since ending their trophy drought at Wembley are a cause for concern.

Ten Hag sees things differently, however, highlighting the FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham as evidence that there are no issues in securing results against Premier League opponents.

"We played 60 minutes against Southampton with 10 men, we beat Fulham, that's a Premier League opponent, we beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, a Premier League opponent, so there's no concern - we know we can beat Premier League teams," he concluded.

Luke Shaw has signed a new deal with Manchester United that will keep him under contract until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

The England international had been due to be out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of next season after the club triggered the extension in his previous deal in December.

Shaw is in his ninth season with United and has played an important role under Erik ten Hag this campaign, featuring in 36 of their 47 matches.

"Nine years ago, I signed for this amazing club, and I'm thrilled to be extending my stay," said the 27-year-old, who has made 249 appearances for United.

"I've grown immensely since coming to Manchester all those years ago, both as a person and as a player. I know what is needed to succeed at a club like this.

"We're at the beginning of our journey under the manager and his coaching staff. We've been successful already this season, but we want much more.

"There's a great opportunity to create something special here, and I'm going to give everything to be part of that."

Shaw has won the Europa League and two EFL Cups during his near-decade with United, whom he joined from Southampton in June 2014 for a fee in the region of £30million.

United are also in advanced talks with fellow long-serving player David de Gea over fresh terms, while discussions are ongoing with Marcus Rashford and Diogo Dalot.

United's director of football John Murtough said: "Luke is a massively important player to the squad and has grown into one of the best defenders in the world.

"He has been at the club for nearly a decade and understands the expectations for success, and the hard work, commitment and high standards required to achieve it.

"He has added leadership to his other outstanding abilities, and we all look forward to seeing him in a United shirt for years to come."

United lost 2-0 to Newcastle United on Sunday, in a potentially damaging defeat in the race for the top four.

They will look to bounce back against Brentford on Wednesday.