Erik ten Hag has said he, his staff and Manchester United’s players must ensure more of the squad are fit, with the team again hampered by several injuries this season.
Last term United had a total of 66 injuries and although the club were determined to address the issue in the summer, Leny Yoro, Rasmus Højlund, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf have sustained injuries this season. Tyrell Malacia remains a long-term absentee.
In Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw at Fenerbahce Antony, a late substitute, was taken off on a stretcher. Seven United players missed the game through injury. After a third draw in three Europa League games that leaves his team 21st in the 36-club table, the manager was asked about fitness problems in the squad.
“That holds us back in our levels,” Ten Hag said. “Also in our position in the league [12th]. Because when you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team. And that is what’s holding us back at this moment. We need more players, often available. And then we have to work all together on this point. And that is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We have to do better to get more available players.
“Because we know when we have them, we are a really tough team to play. And when we have them, we can be really successful. And that is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”
Manuel Ugarte started for the first time since the 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford on 29 September, and completed 90 minutes for the first time since joining in the summer.
Of Ugarte’s display he said: “The 6 position is a key position in your team, and he has to learn this position in our game model. [This] is a step forward – I am really pleased with his performance – and from here on he has to build. We have to stay patient but if the quality in that position is not right it’s very difficult for a team to control games, and then I don’t even speak about dominating games. This position needs one who brings quality all the time, and we have to integrate him now in this team.”
United will fly to London from Istanbul on Friday for Sunday’s visit to West Ham and will train there on Saturday. Ten Hag hopes Evans will be available.
