According to the report by the Independent, another star is claimed to have noticed that there are only three players who make noise during training sessions. The suggestion raises questions over how United’s squad are being guided, as well as the club’s ability to recruit the correct profile of player.

Ten Hag admitted this week that United’s standards have fallen over the years. The Red Devils appeared to be on the right track with an unbeaten start to 2024.

However, the lack of authority on the pitch saw Ten Hag’s side lose late on against Fulham last weekend. Harry Maguire had equalised in the 89th minute, only for Fulham to take control in added-time at Old Trafford and score a winner through Alex Iwobi.

Erik ten Hag is attempting to steer Man Utd back on track (Image: Getty)

Ten Hag hopes that INEOS will be able to provide the guidance needed to put the club back among England’s elite.

“The club has fallen down in the standards, but now we are back. I have already seen some examples of how (INEOS) can support us to really set that right standard,” the Dutchman said on Thursday.

“We know when performances are not right we have to look in the mirror, to tell each other the truth and get things right.

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INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe will decide on whether Erik ten Hag stays at Man Utd (Image: Getty)

“There are always many fans away and home standing behind us, but it starts with us. We have to put energy into the stands and then it comes back.”

Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s own future at United remains under scrutiny. The Red Devils were unbeaten after the winter break but performances were still inconsistent and that finally caught up with them in their defeat against Fulham.

The Independent’s Reading the Game newsletter claims that Ten Hag has not filled INEOS chiefs with confidence that he is the man to bring success back to the club. Instead, he is reportedly being viewed by some in the same way that Claudio Ranieri was at Chelsea in the early days of the Roman Abramovich era, when a more reputable coach was needed to deliver trophies at Stamford Bridge.