Erik ten Hag stormed out of his post-match press conference after Manchester United came away with a fortuitous 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. The Dutchman, who cut a frustrated figure for much of the afternoon, lost his temper after being pressed on his side’s current league position.

After a run of just one win in seven top-flight games, the result leaves United sixth, 10 points off Tottenham above them. And they now appear in danger of being caught by West Ham, who lie just two points behind the Red Devils – while Chelsea are four further back with two games in hand.

United’s worst finish since the formation of the Premier League came under David Moyes in 2013/14, when they ended up seventh – although the Scot was sacked before the campaign ended. And it was put to Ten Hag that this marker was now under threat.

“Erik if you fall below seventh that would be the worst Premier League finish in history for United, do you think you’re going to be above that?” he was asked. But the Dutchman wasn’t about to hang about to respond.

“I don’t want…I’m not going to take that question,” said the ex-Ajax man, as he picked up his water bottle and stood up to leave. “It’s not important at this moment in time.”

Ten Hag left sharply, without acknowledging anyone else in the room. The journalist who tried to ask the question then quipped “Well I tried” after the manager had shut the door.

It wasn’t the only post-match saga involving Ten Hag, with winger Alejandro Garnacho appearing to underline his displeasure on Instagram after being taken off at half-time. The Argentinian also liked posts on X by the United We Stand presenter Mark Goldbridge, which savagely criticised his manager.

Ten Hag’s position has been the subject of speculation since the arrival of new minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has notably declined to publicly back him. And immediately after the game, he said it was down to supporters as to whether they adhered to his request for patience. “It is up to them but it is the truth,” he told Sky Sports.

“At this moment with all the problems we have, we play to our levels. We can play very good when everyone is on top form but we have to do it for the whole 90 minutes.”