Erik ten Hag insists the Glazer family "want to win" and called on Manchester United fans to "fight together" to transform the fortunes of the club.
A supporters' group, The 1958, have announced plans to protest against the Red Devils' "vile owners" ahead of Monday night's Premier League clash against Liverpool. There is huge resentment among the United fanbase towards the Glazers due to alleged mismanagement over the last decade.
Many suspect the American tycoons use the club as a cash cow without a care for on-pitch success, as shareholders continue to enjoy huge dividends. Meanwhile, investment in the squad has been disastrous all too often, with £1.25billion spent since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013 and very few players living up to their exorbitant price tags.
The mood among fans has gone from bad to worse after United's disastrous start to the season, which has seen them beaten at home by Brighton and thrashed by Brentford. In a bid to placate supporters and get them back on side ahead of a crucial North-West derby, Ten Hag declared he wants "the fans behind the team" and defended the Glazers' ambitions.
"I can only say the owners want to win," the Dutchman, who was appointed United manager this summer, said in his press conference on Friday. "We want the fans behind the team. I am not that long at the club I can see all the background. We have to fight together."
Turning his attention to the showdown with arch-rivals Liverpool, Ten Hag said his players are continuing to perform well on the training ground but gave little away regarding his approach for the fixture.
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"I know the rivalry, we are the rivals and we have to win every game, but especially this game," the former Ajax boss said, adding: "It's not difficult to motivate this team. They worked really good on the training pitch from the start of the season.
"It starts with yourself. Follow the rules and principles and work hard. If you do that, you will get confidence. Every game is different, but the philosophy and the plan will be the same. We work from game to game. We know what is going on when you play against Liverpool, especially when you are Man United, so yeah, you have to be ready."
United sit rock bottom of the Premier League as they prepare to host Liverpool, who have had an underwhelming start to the season of their own, drawing 2-2 with Fulham and 1-1 with Crystal Palace.
