By Joe Bernstein for The Mail on Sunday
22:32 25 Nov 2023, updated 23:54 25 Nov 2023
- Erik ten Hag has rallied his injury stricken side ahead of their game vs Everton
- He also blamed the Premier League’s schedule for Man United’s long injury list
- Nobody’s fooled by the nature of Man United’s performances this season – IAKO
Erik ten Hag says injury-hit Manchester United will have to ‘suffer’ to overcome four potentially season-defining matches in 11 days, starting at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Ten Hag’s appeal to show fight comes as they face games against Everton, Galatasaray, Newcastle and Chelsea with a significant casualty list.
Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo are long-term injuries, while Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Tyrell Malacia are major doubts for the match.
Luke Shaw returns to the squad but has not played since August, while Jadon Sancho continues to be excluded from the first-team picture after falling out with the manager.
Ten Hag blames a crippling fixture list for United’s woes and believes the remaining players have to fight through the pain barrier. The Dutchman also believes a testing training schedule has been necessary, despite the list of crocks.
‘We played the most games across Europe last year when it was a weird season with the World Cup in the middle,’ he said.
‘All the managers have complained about the schedule, but each year they add games. We are already across the limits players can handle.
‘You have a choice to make. Either you match the schedule and prepare for it, or you drop off. Every top player and team knows you have to suffer and sacrifice.
‘If you want to get prepared for games, you have to go to certain physical levels to match those standards set by the opponent.’
After Sunday’s trip to Goodison, United travel to Turkey knowing defeat there on Wednesday would end their Champions League hopes.
The manager’s message, however, is that if his players show the required work-rate, they have the quality to win any match.
‘Injuries mean changes and many of the routines are not working 100 per cent, but we can make sure to build the foundations by running harder, covering and having quick reactions, because our players have a lot of skill and ability.
‘If we’re in the fight and have a clear and bright mindset, we will do brilliant things because our players are capable of doing that.’
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
