Erik ten Hag claimed Manchester United’s fixture pile-up is “across the limits” players can handle as he deals with legions of injuries before his side’s clash with Everton on Sunday.
The Dutchman – who will sit in the stands at Goodison Park due to a suspension picked up for three yellow cards – is without key performers such as Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, while Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are also sidelined. Rasmus Hojlund and Tyrell Malacia are major doubts to be fit in time to take on the Toffees.
The Red Devils endured a hefty fixture list last term in Ten Hag’s debut campaign at Old Trafford, playing a whopping 62 games in all competitions due to runs to the finals of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, winning the former.
Ahead of Sunday’s match, Ten Hag hinted at the lack of action from authorities in reducing player workload and said his intense training approach has come as a result of the heavy schedule.
He said: “We played the most games across Europe last year when it was a weird season with the World Cup in the middle.
“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.”
Victory on Sunday would lift United closer to the teams jostling for Champions League qualification, while they also face a defining game in Europe on Wednesday when they visit Galatasaray needing points to lift them off the bottom of Group A.
Man Utd were beaten at home by the Turkish side in their first meeting but have to win to give themselves the best possible chance of knockout stage qualification. They host Bayern Munich in their final group game.
Ten Hag added: “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.”
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