Erik ten Hag has attributed Manchester United’s dismal performance to their extensive injury list, a situation that has left the beleaguered manager fighting to retain his position.
The Dutch coach is overseeing the club’s worst start to a top-flight season since 1989/90; however, last week’s victory against Brentford provided some relief from the mounting pressure.
Currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League, United faces a critical match against West Ham on Sunday, a game Ten Hag cannot afford to lose.
Following a 1-1 draw in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, United has managed just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions.
In Istanbul, Ten Hag was missing several key players due to fitness issues, and United winger Antony sustained an injury shortly after coming on in the second half.
When asked about Antony’s condition after he left the field on a stretcher and exited the stadium on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot, Ten Hag admitted he was unsure of the injury’s severity.
When pressed for an explanation regarding United’s poor form, Ten Hag promptly pointed to an injury list that includes 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 said.
“That is what’s holding us back in this moment. We need more players often available, and 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. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”