Erik ten Hag Reflects on Manchester United's Injury-Plagued Season and Future Prospects

Posted : 19 July 2024

Manchester United are still in the process of building their squad and have less depth compared to many of their Premier League rivals, manager Erik ten Hag said on Friday. He attributed last season's disappointing eighth-place finish to a slew of injuries. Despite this, earlier this month, Ten Hag extended his contract until 2026, amidst speculation he might be fired after a lackluster season. The team managed to end the campaign on a high note with an FA Cup victory, adding some positive gloss to an otherwise challenging season.

Reflecting on last season, Ten Hag described the club's grueling schedule of 61 matches in all competitions as "simply bizarre." He pointed out that United were not the only team to suffer from injuries, but their issues were particularly pronounced with players in similar positions, especially in defense. At one point, United almost had no available defenders, which severely impacted their performance. Ten Hag emphasized that when he took over, United had not won a trophy in six years, a situation he attributed to the composition and quality of the player group, which included many with long-term contracts.

Ten Hag acknowledged that United are still in the process of building their squad. He noted that compared to other top Premier League clubs, United's squad lacks depth, making it difficult to cope with injuries. The manager's position seemed almost untenable as the season drew to a close, but a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley appeared to save his job. Ten Hag maintained his belief in the team, emphasizing the importance of conveying that belief to his players to prevent a negative atmosphere from taking hold.

Despite the challenges, Ten Hag expressed no concern about his future at the club, stating that if the management found someone better, he would leave. He acknowledged the mechanisms of football and the high expectations at a club like United. The season left him exhausted due to the frequent losses and the need to keep the team focused and motivated. However, with a recent staff overhaul, Ten Hag suggested that better times are ahead. He stressed the importance of having the right structures, good teamwork, and a positive relationship with the players as essential elements for future success.

Erik ten Hag Reflects on Manchester United's Injury-Plagued Season and Future Prospects

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