Erik ten Hag turns a deaf ear to talk he could be sacked at Man United as he insists he and his players ‘don’t care’ about the speculation over his Old Trafford future

Erik ten Hag says he ‘doesn’t care’ about speculation over his future at Manchester United as he tries to get results that could save him from collapse.

New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains undecided on Ten Hag, but there is a good chance that the Dutchman will remain in charge after the end of the season if United qualify for the Champions League, having already reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup has reached.

England coach Gareth Southgate branded the speculation about Ten Hag as ‘completely disrespectful’ last week as he effectively excluded himself from a long list of potential replacements this summer.

Ten Hag seemed unfazed by it, saying: ‘You know, when you work at Man United there will always be noise and rumors around the club, the team, the manager and the players. But we focus on the process and on the team to play better and improve the way we play.

‘I was trained at Ajax and it was similar. When you work in top football, you get used to it. So we don’t care. Players don’t care. I do not mind. We are in the boat together and know that we have to perform and achieve the right results.’

Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains undecided on Ten Hag, but the manager could stay next season

Ten Hag returns to the scene of one of his lowest points as United manager when he takes on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium after suffering a 4-0 defeat there in his second game in charge last season.

Lisandro Martinez could return after eight weeks away with a knee injury, while United will make a late decision on Casemiro and the ill Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo’s meteoric rise continued with his first appearances for the England seniors during the international break, and Ten Hag said he and his coaching staff will keep the teenager’s feet on the ground in the unlikely event that success goes to his head .

“So far he is dealing with it very well and if he crosses the line then I as manager and we as coaches will intervene,” said the United boss.

Ten Hag has promised to keep Kobbie Mainoo’s feet on the ground after his rapid rise

Gary O’Neil said there was no truth to reports that he will leave Wolves to replace Ten Hag.

“I don’t know where it came from,” said the Wolves boss.

‘Growing up, Liverpool and Manchester United always felt special. It’s an honor to be connected, even if there’s no truth in it. I’m really enjoying my time at Wolves.

“I was only made aware of (the links) by the media team in preparation for your questions.”