Erik ten Hag discusses Manchester United's injury setbacks and competitive challenges in the Premier League

Erik ten Hag discusses Manchester United’s injury setbacks and competitive challenges in the Premier League

Erik ten Hag is guiding what Manchester United needs to do in order to contend for the title, despite already experiencing a successful debut season as manager.

Erik ten Hag has confessed that he was surprised by how rapidly Manchester United has risen up the Premier League standings this season. The team endured a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, finishing sixth and without any silverware, but they are now in third place and on track to secure a spot in the Champions League via a top-four finish.

With a likely return to the Champions League and a recent League Cup triumph, Manchester United fans are feeling hopeful about their team’s chances of competing for the championship next season.

Manchester United has plans to acquire a striker during the upcoming summer transfer window, while Erik ten Hag is keen to add a versatile midfielder to the team. The manager emphasized the importance of investing in the squad to remain competitive in the challenging Premier League and take the necessary steps forward.

“I think we have made good progress but we have to acknowledge there is still a gap,” Ten Hag noted. “I couldn’t expect we would close that gap that quickly.

Erik ten Hag has stated that Manchester United aims to win every game they play, regardless of the opponent. The team has already defeated all the top teams, indicating their potential to compete at the highest level. However, the manager recognizes the need to take the next step by becoming more dominant and consistent.

Ten Hag acknowledges the fierce competition in the Premier League, with several strong teams vying for the top spot. He emphasizes the importance of being exceptional in every aspect of the game to win the championship. Despite the challenges, Manchester United is determined to pursue their goal of winning the league.

Ten Hag is aware that other clubs will also invest and spend big money to strengthen their squads, making the competition even tougher. However, Manchester United is confident in their ability to compete and overcome any obstacles on their journey to becoming champions.

Erik ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United has faced several injury setbacks this season, with Anthony Martial missing 31 out of a possible 45 matches due to various injuries. Additionally, Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho are both out with ankle injuries, while Antony is unwell, and Donny van de Beek will be out for the rest of the season.

Ten Hag also made a curious comparison to Arsenal, suggesting that the Gunners have not had any significant injury issues this season, despite Gabriel Jesus’s recent return after a three-month layoff. However, Ten Hag emphasized that Manchester United has coped well with the injury setbacks and has managed to put out a strong team in every game.

The only game where Ten Hag had a fully fit squad was the 2-0 victory over Manchester City on January 14, where Anthony Martial started but had to be replaced at half-time due to injury. Despite the challenges, Manchester United remains focused and determined to overcome any obstacles in their pursuit of success.