Bruno Fernandes and Fred Strikes help Manchester United sink Spurs

United also have an option on Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, but the Portuguese forward could leave the club in January if a suitable offer comes in. He looked upset at being taken off at the weekend during the goalless draw with Newcastle.

“I think no player is happy when he comes off, especially not Ronaldo, I understand that,” Ten Hag said. “As long as it’s in a quiet, normal way, no problem with that. Of course he is convinced he should stay on and should score a goal, that is why he’s that good.”

Today, United face Tottenham, who were previously interested in appointing Ten Hag and had talks with the Dutchman before he eventually moved to United, where he is overseeing a rebuilding project. Despite turning results around, he says there is more to come from his team.

“I’m a person that is never satisfied. I am happy to be here but I’m not satisfied where we are, but I also know that I’m impatient. I think good is not good enough, we have to do better. I see many things that can go better but I also see improvement, so when we keep going with this progress we’ll improve more and I will be even happier,” he said.

“There are obviously many problems and we had to integrate many players, we had to deal with problems offensively from the start. Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable, Anthony Martial was not on the pitch and didn’t play a full game until now. I’m sure when that is better, with two No 9s present and fit in a good, combative shape, the results from the team will improve.”

Martial will again be absent, but Christian Eriksen may return against his former club after recovering from a back problem.
Meanwhile, United were charged by the Football Association yesterday for failing “to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion” during the Newcastle game.