TEN HAG IS FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE

Erik running out of time after tame derby defeat

- David McDonnell

WHEN Erik ten Hag talked of progress in the aftermath of Manchester United's emphatic derby defeat, it was hard to take him seriously.

Although United shut out Manchester City for 56 minutes, they were eventually overwhelmed, the gulf in class between the local rivals underlined as Pep Guardiola's Treble winners dominated the second half to win 3-1.

United have now lost 11 league games, one short of their highest number of defeats in a Premier League season, which they racked up in 2013-14 and 2021-22.

Given they still have to face Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as navigating tricky trips to Brentford, Chelsea, Bournemouth and Brighton, beating that record is almost a given, based on their inconsistency.

Another humiliating record United are in danger of setting this season is their worst goal difference for 34 years.