Erik Ten Hag believes Manchester United could have secured 14 more wins if not for persistent injury setbacks
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has expressed that the club’s performance could have been significantly better, suggesting that they “could easily” have won an additional 14 matches if not for the extensive injury issues plaguing the team. This remark comes as United prepares to face Everton at Old Trafford, currently grappling with the absence of 10 first-team players due to injuries.
Ten Hag, who has now overseen 100 matches at Manchester United, achieving 61 victories, pointed out the challenges the team has faced. “Imagine we had many more players available and not setbacks and injuries, could easily have 75 wins,” he stated, highlighting the potential he sees in the team’s future. The Dutch manager emphasized the blend of youth and experience within the squad, suggesting a promising outlook if the team can overcome its injury struggles.
The injury crisis at United has been a significant hindrance this season, affecting their performance levels and consistency. “No team can deal with so many injuries,” Ten Hag lamented, noting the adverse impact on the team’s ability to compete at their maximum level. Despite these challenges, he praised the squad’s performance during periods when key players were available, particularly pointing out the promising displays in January and February.
Currently, Manchester United finds itself in sixth place in the Premier League, a substantial 19 points behind the leaders and 11 points adrift of the fourth spot, complicating their path to Champions League qualification. This situation is a stark contrast to the previous season’s achievements, which included a Carabao Cup victory and an FA Cup final appearance.
As United strives to navigate through these challenges, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the direction of the project, emphasizing the importance of overcoming injuries to key players who significantly influence the team’s style of play. With 11 matches left in the season, United’s ambition to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League hinges on their ability to maintain performance levels despite the ongoing injury crisis.
