Erik ten Hag has revealed an internal investigation is underway to understand why Manchester United have picked up so many injuries this season. The Red Devils boss spoke ahead of United’s clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Ten Hag’s side have suffered injuries to key players throughout the season, with United’s squad often stretched to the limit. As a result, the Dutchman claimed a behind-scenes probe was taking place, as United aim to fix their fitness problems. He said: “We have an idea but we will work on it. Internally, we will deal with it.”
But when pressed on whether he can reveal what his ‘idea’ is, the ex-Ajax man responded swiftly by saying “no.”
Hoping to put this season’s injury frustrations behind him ahead of the run-in, Ten Hag did admit Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane were all expected to feature against Chelsea. The trio had been doubts for the game, but Ten Hag said: “On the frontline and midfield we are okay and we have options there but in the backline we have a lack of options but the good thing is back in training this afternoon is Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans. Yesterday Harry Maguire was back in training.”
It’s a welcome boost for Ten Hag, after it was revealed yesterday both Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof had been ruled out for at least a month. When quizzed on why United’s injury woes have been so frequent this season, the 54-year-old said: “You can’t prevent, it’s not only us who’ve had this.
“The standards of the Premier League from an intensity perspective are so high, the overload of the schedule, international football is so huge, we have internationals in our squad. City, Liverpool and Newcastle [United] have problems, many other teams. In this moment, especially the defensive department but the midfield and frontline the players are available.”
With just eight games of the Premier League season left, United can ill afford any more slip-ups. Saturday’s draw against Brentford was the 14th time they’ve dropped points this season, with a gap having opened up between themselves and their fellow Champions League hopefuls. Arresting that poor form will be crucial against Chelsea, who are below United in the table, but Ten Hag has warned about the threats Mauricio Pochettino’s side possess.
“It’s a tough competition, it’s very tight and also a lot about which players are available and not. When you are on the right side of the line you can have a successful season but when on the wrong side you can have a much more difficult season. For the rest they [Chelsea] have a fantastic team, fantastic players and play very good football, they can beat anyone and have shown in this league.”
