Erik ten Hag is under pressure following a disappointing start to the new season (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United football director John Murtough insists Erik ten Hag retains his full backing despite a disappointing start to the new season.

The Red Devils spent heavily again this summer, equipping their manager with a new No.1 goalkeeper in Andre Onana, one of Europe’s most promising young strikers in Rasmus Hojlund and an experienced Premier League midfield stalwart in Mason Mount.

Despite the significant investment, United have made a mediocre start and already face an uphill task to make the top four and are on the verge of Champions League group stage elimination.

A dismal situation was marginally improved as a result of last weekend’s astonishing late comeback against Brentford, but reports last week claimed the Dutchman was on the verge of losing the dressing room.

According to talkSPORT host Alan Brazil, the former Ajax boss had angered a group of senior players as a consequence of his hardline stance on anyone who steps out of line with the treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho doing him little favours.

Scott McTominay rescued Manchester United against Brentford (Picture: Getty)

Murtough concedes results and performances so far have been unacceptable but belief in Ten Hag remains total.

He said: ‘Clearly, we’ve got work to do to get the men’s team back up to the levels we expect, but we really believe in the manager, his staff and the players, and their ability to build momentum as the season progressed.

‘It’s been a disappointing start to the men’s season, although Saturday’s dramatic win against Brentford has given us something to build on after the international break.

‘Now, we have to show that same drive to turn the season around after the international break and I know that the manager, players and staff are absolutely determined to do that.

‘There’s still three-quarters of the campaign to go and four competitions to compete in, so it’s important we keep our belief — both within the club and among the fans.’

MORE : Manchester United launch investigation into mounting injury crisis

MORE : Manchester United midfielder Casemiro suffers ankle injury with Brazil

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

It’s been a poor start to the new season.