HAG-ING ON

ERIK TEN HAG has been given the full backing of Manchester United’s new management team.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth made clear their long-term support for the Dutchman shortly before Sunday’s 3-0 home thumping by Liverpool.

And Berrada emphasised Ten Hag will have it even if there is a run of poor results.

Berrada, 46, said: “Do we still believe in Erik? Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”

Ten Hag narrowly avoided the sack in the summer after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final — and had a contract extension until 2026 triggered.

That decision was made by United’s new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford after they had explored other options.

Berrada and Ashworth then took up their positions and were also happy for Ten Hag to continue.

Berrada — who was poached from crosstown rivals City — added: “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 has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window.

“We’re going to continue working very closely to help him get the best results out of the team.”

Former Newcastle sporting director Ashworth works closer to Ten Hag than anyone in the new management structure.

He has the next-door office at United’s Carrington HQ and is very much on the same page as the 54-year-old. Ashworth, 53, said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks.

“My job is to support him in every way I can whether that’s operationally with recruitment, whether that’s medical, with psychology, or training ground flow.

“It’s to take as much of that off him to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and the match plan to deliver success.”

Berrada and Ashworth front the football structure at Old Trafford, which also includes former Blackburn Prem title winner Jason Wilcox, 53, as technical director.

Sunday’s defeat was United’s second on the bounce following their 2-1 loss at Brighton. — Sun.