Ten Hag Attributes Man Utd’s Struggles to Injury Crisis

Erik ten Hag has blamed Manchester United’s long injury list for the disastrous run that has left the beleaguered manager fighting for his job.

The Dutchman presided over United’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989/90, although last week’s victory against Brentford alleviated the strain.

United are currently in 12th place in the Premier League when they travel to West Ham on Sunday, a game Ten Hag cannot afford to lose.

After a 1-1 draw against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday, United have now won only once in their last seven games across all competitions.

Ten Hag was without a number of players due to fitness concerns in Istanbul, and United winger Antony suffered an injury quickly after coming on in the second half.
When asked about Antony’s condition after leaving the field on a stretcher and entering the stadium on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot, Ten Hag stated he didn’t know the extent of the damage.

When asked about United’s dismal form, Ten Hag cited an injury list that has left him without Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo, among others.

“That holds us back in our levels, and also in our position in the league because when you don’t have the players available you can’t line up the best team,” he told me.

That is what is keeping us back right now. We need more players who are available on a regular basis, and we must all work together on this — the players, the coaching staff, and all other staff members.

“We need to do better to get more available players because we know we are a very challenging squad to play against.

“And with them, we may be very successful. That is what we have demonstrated over the previous few months.

AFP