Ratcliffe's INEOS company have acquired control of football operations at United and the team's disappointing season has led to question marks about the Dutch coach's position - although he is confident that the club will achieve big things if he stays.

Ten Hag said: "I think you need to follow the process.

"We have good young players coming through. They are developing very well in their progress. We are in a good way, a good direction and we need to make the next steps. Don't interrupt this process."

United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League took a dent with last weekend's draw at Brentford and Ten Hag is aware that it will be "difficult" to reach Europe's elite competition.

Speaking ahead of his team's Premier League trip to Chelsea on Thursday (04.04.24), Ten Hag said: "I have high standards and I would be disappointed if we didn't qualify.

"I know it will be very difficult because we are not in a good position. But we want to win every game, that is the standard we have here among each other. We will keep going and keep believing in those standards. That will be the approach in every game. We will keep fighting until the end. I know we are not in a good position. We have to catch up."

United have been plagued by injuries for much of the season and Ten Hag admits that the issues have affected their performances.

He said: "I know we have had a lot of problems so I am a realistic man.

"In a competition that is so competitive and the teams are so close in terms of levels with each other then also you need the players to be available.

"If you have to make compromises your levels will drop, you will drop points. If you play in a consistent team your levels will go up. When you bring in the best players in your squad you will collect more points and that is a fact so I will be realistic but nevertheless I will keep fighting in every game."