Erik ten Hag responded angrily to a journalist who admitted to liking seeing Manchester United in turmoil.

The Red Devils have had a terrible start to the season, with a succession of disappointing games, notably in Europe, adding to Erik ten Hag’s pressure.

And, as United’s place in this season’s Champions League hangs in the balance ahead of tonight’s pivotal encounter against Galatasaray, domestic performances have begun to improve.

Back-to-back away wins over Fulham and Everton each side of the international break, combined with the return from injury of teenage wonder Kobbie Mainoo, have contributed to a change in momentum.

Even so, a negative outcome tonight would almost certainly bring the storm clouds back to Old Trafford, as a reporter who spoke with Ten Hag ahead of tonight’s must-win game in Turkey noted.

‘You’re at a position when the season could improve or another catastrophe could emerge, as we like to watch from the outside,’ added the reporter.

Ten Hag could have been forgiven for snapping at the question’s leading nature, but he kept his cool well.

‘Ah, you like it, don’t you?’ In answer, he said. ‘All well, that’s quite honest; you want to see it, but we don’t mind!’

Given everything he has had to deal with this season, both on and off the field, Ten Hag has remained largely dignified and erudite, and United fans were once again in awe of their manager.

‘Ten Hag frying that interviewer and leaving him dumbfounded, my manager,’ one X fan tweeted.

‘Erik has some personality and is cooking the interviewer,’ said another.