Erik ten Hag has the full backing of his Manchester United bosses despite Sunday's embarrassing collapse against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

United's 3-0 defeat raised fresh doubts over Ten Hag after he narrowly avoided the axe this summer and signed a one-year contract extension. 

But chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, who both started work at the club in July, remain firmly behind the Dutchman.

Berrada said: 'Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window. We're going to continue working very closely with him to help him get the best results out of the team.

'In terms of the contract, that was a decision that was taken prior to both of our arrivals. But we're very happy with that decision.'

Erik ten Hag has the backing of his Manchester United bosses despite their loss to Liverpool

Berrada insisted that the support would remain even if United's poor start continues, after Ten Hag lost two of his first three Premier League games this season, adding: 'Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we're fully backing him.'

Ashworth was brought in by United to replace their football director John Murtough, who played a key role in appointing Ten Hag to replace interim Ralf Rangnick in 2022 and worked closely with the former Ajax boss for the last two seasons.

Ashworth said: 'Very rarely do you go into a job as a sporting director and there's no manager in place.

'It happened at Newcastle with Eddie Howe and also at West Brom where Tony Mowbray was in place.

'I've really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks. My job is to support him in every way I possibly can to fully focus on the training pitch and the match tactical plan to deliver success for Manchester United.'