Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag claims injuries are severely hindering his team’s performance, but believes their return can bring significant success.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Ham, United are without defenders Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, along with midfielders Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo, due to injury. Ten Hag attributes these fitness issues to the Red Devils’ underwhelming start to the season.
“Injuries hold us back in our levels – and also in our position in the league,” Ten Hag told reporters. “Because when you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team. We need more players, often available – and we have to work all together on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We know when we have them, we are a really tough team to play, and we can be really successful. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”
Despite winning the FA Cup and navigating last season’s injury crisis, Ten Hag’s job security was questioned earlier this year. While injuries affect all teams, top-tier clubs must adapt to overcome such setbacks. Having spent £200 million on players this summer, Ten Hag’s injury excuse may be wearing thin, particularly with United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League.
Ten Hag’s United seek consecutive Premier League wins against West Ham on Sunday. They conclude October with a Carabao Cup last-16 clash against Leicester City.
Image Credit: AFP
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