Ten Hag frustrated by injuries at United: 'It holds us back'

Bruno Fernandes was notably absent from Manchester United’s Europa League fixture against Fenerbahçe, not due to injury but due to a suspension.

The Portuguese captain, a central figure in United’s midfield and often the orchestrator of their attacking plays, will be eligible to return to the squad for Sunday’s important Premier League clash at the Olympic Stadium against West Ham. Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Jonny Evans, who missed the trip to Turkey due to fitness issues, will also be back in action. Evans’ absence left a noticeable gap in United's defense, and his return would provide much-needed stability and experience against a strong West Ham side.

Injuries, however, continue to be a pressing concern for United this season. Ten Hag openly addressed the impact this has had on his team, noting that the recurrence of injuries has hampered their ability to field a consistent lineup, affecting the team's fluidity and cohesion. "It holds us back," he acknowledged in the press conference. "Also in terms of our position on the table. We can’t field our best team, and that limits us. We need more players to be available more often, and that’s something we all have to work on together." Ten Hag’s words reflect both the frustration of managing a squad that’s been plagued by injuries and his determination to find a way forward.

Ten Hag emphasized the collective responsibility in managing player fitness, extending the onus beyond the players themselves to include the coaches, medical staff, and support personnel. “That applies to the players, coaches, and all staff members,” he continued, reiterating his belief that a cohesive approach is essential for the team’s overall resilience. Despite the setback, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the team’s potential when all players are available. "We need to do better. Because when everyone is fit, we know we’re a very tough team to play against. When we have all our players, we can be very successful. We've shown that over the past few months," he added, expressing his confidence in the squad's capabilities when not hampered by injuries.

The situation surrounding Antony’s availability adds to United’s uncertainty. The Brazilian winger, formerly of Ajax, was forced to leave the field due to an injury sustained in the Fenerbahçe match. His presence in United’s attacking lineup has been instrumental, providing both width and pace. Should he be unavailable for the game against West Ham, it may open opportunities for players like Jadon Sancho or Alejandro Garnacho, who could step in to fill the attacking void. Sancho, in particular, has been eager to establish a consistent role in the squad and would view this as a chance to prove his value to the team. Garnacho, a rising young talent, could also offer a spark of energy and unpredictability on the wing if given the chance.

United’s matchup with West Ham on Sunday, scheduled for a 3:00 PM kick-off, is critical for their Premier League aspirations. As they strive to close the gap with the league leaders, every point matters. West Ham, known for their physical style and strong midfield presence, presents a formidable challenge, particularly if United is fielding a less-than-complete squad. Ten Hag’s tactical approach will be crucial, as he will likely need to make adjustments to compensate for the potential absence of key players. A win could provide a significant morale boost and reinforce United's push for a top-four position, whereas another setback might deepen the pressure on the squad.

With Ten Hag’s clear-eyed view of the team’s challenges and his focus on long-term squad health and fitness, he hopes to set a foundation for sustained performance. His forthcoming press conference on Sunday is anticipated not only for updates on injuries but also for insight into how he plans to guide United through a challenging season, aiming for success despite the obstacles posed by injuries and suspensions. United fans, too, will be closely watching, hoping that the team’s core players return to form and fitness, allowing them to mount a strong challenge against West Ham and beyond.