Erik ten Hag adamant he has Manchester United's backing ahead of Liverpool clash - 'I'm focusing on the process'

Erik ten Hag insists he is not worried about losing his job ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

United were dumped out of Europe after a 1-0 loss at home to Bayern Munich saw them finish bottom of their UEFA Champions League group for the first time since the 2005/06 campaign.

It came hot on the heels of a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth and was the fourth time in six games at Old Trafford that United have failed to score in a season that has been blighted by inconsistency at both ends of the pitch.

After winning the EFL Cup and finishing in the top four in his first season in charge, Ten Hag has come under increased scrutiny of late for the lack of identity his team has on the pitch.

Should they lose on Sunday they would fall 13 points behind their fierce rivals after just 17 games, but the Dutchman remains confident he has the support of those above him.

Asked if he has the backing of senior figures at United, Ten Hag said: “I feel that. They tell me. That's fine and that is OK.

“I am focusing on the process, I am focusing on making this team play better and making the individuals play better. That is my concern and what I am focusing on.

“Now we are inconsistent and I have to work on making a squad that is going to play for longer periods at a higher level.”

After the Bayern defeat, TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand said his former side needed to be “aggressive” and “brave” at Anfield if they are to achieve a positive result.

In this fixture last year, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds ran riot to win 7-0. It was a chastening experience for United but one from which Ten Hag believes his players have learned from.

“I think everyone is highly motivated when you go to Anfield,” the 53-year-old added. “You know it is going to be tough. That is everything a top footballer wants; they want the challenge.

“You have to look forward. We take last year in our memory, but you have to take the benefit from it and learn from it. On Sunday we can prove that.”

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