Erik ten Hag bemoans injuries and claims he’s had his ‘favourite’ team on the pitch ONCE in 18 months

Erik ten Hag’s squad have suffered 60 injuries this term (Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he’s concerned with the amount of injuries within his squad and says he’s only been able to pick his ‘favourite’ side once since joining the club.

The Red Devils have been hit with three further injuries this week ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Coventry.

Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount and Willy Kambwala are sidelined, joining the likes of Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof on the sidelines.

The FA Cup is United’s last chance to salvage their season, with the club out of contention for Champions League qualification.

Ten Hag is facing a battle to keep his job but he says he hasn’t been able to pick a fully fit squad – other than the 2-1 victory against Manchester City at Old Trafford in February 2023.

Ten Hag’s side only have the FA Cup left to play for (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

‘In 18 months I have never had my favourite team on the pitch, because the players are injured. That concerns me,’ said Ten Hag.

‘In fact, one time against Man City last season in the home game – that was the only time we had a full squad when I could pick my team. In all the other games, there was always an injury aspect that we had to deal with. That’s normal in football, but not as many as we have had.

‘When you have so many injuries as we have had in crucial, key positions, you can’t deliver the results you want. That’s my truth. Others can have different truths, but I can’t put energy into that.”

‘I know what we are doing here and I know why I am here – to bring trophies and to create economic value. We are working on those.

‘In the process, you have setbacks and I look at this and can see it realistically and rationally. I am only focusing on my team – to improve my team and individuals. That’s what I’m here for.’

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