Erik ten Hag still has full confidence that Manchester United will qualify for the Champions League. That remains the primary objective in a season where his squad has been plagued by injuries.
Embed from Getty Images
The press briefing held by the manager on Friday afternoon was significantly overshadowed by concerns over injuries, marking a recurring theme in recent discussions.
Earlier in the week, the team was dealt a considerable blow with Luke Shaw, the left-back, suffering a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for several months, disrupting the team's defensive lineup. The injury woes compounded on Friday afternoon with the announcement that Rasmus Højlund, the team's striker in form, would be missing action for two to three weeks due to a muscle injury. This timing is particularly unfortunate as it rules him out of the highly anticipated derby against Manchester City the following Sunday.
Addressing the situation, the manager acknowledged the challenge but pointed out that injury issues are not unique to their club. Despite this, he expressed confidence in the team's ability to manage these setbacks more effectively. With a critical match against Fulham on the horizon, he emphasized the opportunities that have emerged for reserve players to step up and demonstrate their capabilities. He highlighted the progress of players who had previously seen limited action or were recovering from injuries, showcasing his belief in the depth of his squad.
The importance of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, thereby ensuring qualification for the Champions League, was underscored. This objective has gained additional prominence following remarks from Jim Ratcliffe, the club's new co-owner, earlier in the week. The manager, Ten Hag, stressed the imperative of Champions League qualification, framing every upcoming match as crucial to achieving this goal. Despite the pressure, he expressed optimism about the team's prospects, attributing current standings to identifiable factors while maintaining confidence in their competitive edge.
The manager's relationship with Ratcliffe was also broached, with Ten Hag affirming a strong sense of mutual understanding and shared ambitions between them. He reflected positively on his tenure of nineteen months, noting the team's developmental strides and the progress evident in their performance.
Looking ahead, the team faces a packed schedule with a home game against Fulham, followed by an FA Cup match against Nottingham Forest, and then the pivotal derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. This sequence of matches presents a critical juncture for the team, offering a chance to overcome the immediate challenges posed by injuries and to solidify their standing in the race for Champions League qualification.
