Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, expressed his frustration with his team’s inability to find a rhythm due to the absence of top players caused by injuries, suspensions, or illness.
Prior to a Europa League game against Real Betis, he also suggested that Arsenal has been lucky with their fitness this season. He pointed out that his team has had setbacks all season, but has always managed to deal with them.
He cited the example of a game against Manchester City at home this season, where the squad was available, and he was able to pick his team perfectly from a tactical approach. However, in every other game, it has been a player suspended, injured, or unavailable due to illness.
While Ten Hag failed to acknowledge that Arsenal has also been without Gabriel Jesus for almost half the season and Emile Smith Rowe has barely featured, Liverpool and Chelsea have had even worse luck with injuries.
Both teams have faced crises with key players such as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Thiago for Liverpool, and N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, and Reece James for Chelsea, all having to spend extended periods out injured.
Manchester United are in action tonight as they travel to Spain to take on Real Betis in the second leg of their Europa League tie. United lead 4-1 from the first leg.