Manchester United’s slim Champions League survival prospects depend on beating Bayern Munich on Tuesday, so a humiliation by Bournemouth a few days ago did not inspire optimism.

Despite Erik ten Hag’s club lurching from one bad result to another this season, with 11 defeats in 23 games across all competitions, midfielder Scott McTominay insists the players are totally behind the embattled Dutchman.

McTominay also admitted that this was not always the case with some of Ten Hag’s predecessors, when the environment might become poisonous.

“It is first and foremost the players’ responsibility, and the players are aware of that,” he told reporters on Monday.

“It’s not just like it’s been a little bit toxic at times with some of the other managers.”

“The boys are completely behind the manager, and that is the end of the story.” We also have a fantastic coaching team.”

Unsubstantiated media claims of dressing room splits resulted in the suspension of four organizations for Ten Hag’s news conference prior of last week’s Premier League game against Chelsea, and the 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth did little to soothe the tumultuous waters at Old Trafford.

“People can get lost in translation and get carried away with what the players think and what they say behind closed doors — we just want to do well for the football club and it is as simple as that,” McTominay said in a statement.

If United is to go to the final 16 of the Champions League, it must defeat Group A leaders Bayern Munich and hope that the other match between Galatasaray and Copenhagen ends in a draw.

It is a big if, but given United’s crazily unpredictable nature, victory vs Bayern is not out of the question. It will all come down to which United shows up, the one that outplayed Chelsea last week or the one that put in a poor performance against Bournemouth.

“I never consider negative scenarios.” We are optimistic. “We have to win if we want to stay in Europe,” Ten Hag told reporters. “We have shown in the last weeks that when we are at our best, we can do it.”

United began its Group A campaign with a 4-3 loss at Bayern Munich, followed by a 3-2 loss at home to Galatasaray, which it led twice. It was also 2-0 up against Galatasaray in its penultimate group game before tying 3-3.

“As a team, we are inconsistent; we have not been oblivious to this.” “We’ve discussed it with the coaching staff,” McTominay said. “As a group, we need to come together and figure out the answers.” It is a matter of achieving that consistency and balance.”

United have a vital week ahead of them, with a home game against Bayern Munich followed by a trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool. Ten Hag appears to have the backing of United fans for the time being.

“I hope the fans are together with us,” he went on to say. “I’ve always felt a strong bond between the team and the fans since I’ve been here.” Even when we’ve had major setbacks.

“But we have to take responsibility and energise them.”