February 09, (THEWILL) – Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has cited injuries as the primary reason for his side’s underwhelming 2023/2024 campaign thus far. Expectations were high after last season’s third-place English Premier League finish and Carabao Cup triumph under the Dutchman.
However, United suffered a shock UEFA Champions League group stage elimination this term, while currently languishing in sixth domestically. Ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with fourth-placed Aston Villa, Ten Hag insists his squad’s continual disruption has “stopped progress”.
He noted that having “to adjust” constantly due to differing defensive personnel has prevented establishing “routines” and “partnerships”. Reportedly United have fielded nine different centre-back pairings this season alone.
Such enforced tinkering has had knock-on effects across the pitch, with Ten Hag hoping increased fitness will finally facilitate some consistency. Victory over Villa would close the gap to the Champions League places to just five points.
With the business end of the season approaching, United’s manager will be desperate to welcome back his sidelined stars. Only then can he truly determine if injuries alone are culpable for this campaign’s failings so far.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
