Erik ten Hag issues Manchester United "process" plea to Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Ten Hag's future with the Red Devils continues to be called into question, and it is believed that Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are considering making a change in the dug-out for the 2024-25 campaign.

Man United could end a difficult season on a successful note, as they are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and still have an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

However, Ten Hag has not been publicly backed by Ratcliffe, and the likes of England boss Gareth Southgate and ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter are being linked with the role at Old Trafford.

Speaking during his press conference ahead of Thursday's Premier League clash with Chelsea, the Dutchman urged Ratcliffe to have patience when it comes to the "process" at the club.

Ten Hag's position at Man United is far from secure

"You need to follow the process. As I say, we are in a good trend line with the young players coming through and developing, they are playing well," Ten Hag told reporters.

"The programme is showing we are in a good way and direction, and now we have to make the next steps and don't interrupt it."

Man United are sixth in the Premier League table, nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played a game more, and 11 from fourth-placed Aston Villa, who have played two matches more.

Ten Hag has admitted that his side "are not in a good position" to qualify for next season's Champions League, but he "would be disappointed" if a top-four/top-five finish was not achieved.

"I don't know and I don't care [about the pressure to reach the Champions League], but also I have high standards. I would be disappointed if we didn't qualify but I do know that we are not in a good position," he added.

"We want to win every game and that is the standard we have here amongst each other. We will keeping going and keep believing, holding that standard. That will be the approach for the games and fighting in the games.

Little room for error as Man United chase down Villa, Tottenham

"I know we are not in a good position and we have had to catch up and also I know we have had a lot of problems. I am also a realistic man.

"In a competition where the teams are so competitive and it is so close with each other in terms of levels, then also you need the players to be available, to make a consistent team, to bring the routines in with the way of play and that depends on the results.

"That is a fact, if you can't do it and you make compromises, you will drop in levels and when you can play a consistent team, your levels will go up.

"When you can bring the best players in your squad you will collect more points, that is a fact. I will be realistic, nevertheless, I will keep fighting till the end for every game and I will demand a win because we are Man United and we have to win every game."

Ten Hag arrived as Man United boss in the summer of 2022 following a successful spell at Ajax, and the 54-year-old has a contract with the 20-time English champions until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.