Erik ten Hag has had his say on Manchester United’s quest for a Premier League top-four finish.
The race may have just become considerably more difficult for the Red Devils as they have been dealt fresh injury concerns to several key players; Lisandro Martinez faces weeks out of action, Raphael Varane is dealing with an unconfirmed injury, and Marcus Rashford is still recovering from his groin issue.
As well as that, Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek are more long-term absentees.
Sunday provides the chance for United to pick up a third consecutive league win and clean sheet when they travel to The City Ground to take on survival-chasing Nottingham Forest. The Tricky Trees sit in the bottom three of the table in 18th place, so nothing less than three points and a dominant performance from the Reds is needed.
Ten Hag on top four race
Ten Hag was quizzed on his side’s chances of finishing in the Champions League spots amid fitness concerns at Old Trafford.
Quotes courtesy of the club website.
“Qualifying for the top four was always going to be difficult, but how much harder is it with the injuries you have? And for those players coming in, how important is it that they step up and show the mental toughness needed to get you through this difficult period and keep you on course?”
“When you said that question, it is also the answer. Every game is a battle. Every game is a fight and you have to be ready for that fight. We have a squad, I have said all season we have more than 11 starters. So now others are on and when their time is there, you have to show and to contribute to the team. And you have to be ready and that is what we expect and we demand.”
“Is it difficult for the players that haven’t played that much to come in and be expected to perform at that level?”
“I think then you are finding excuses. And when you are wanting to find excuses and set excuses then you don’t have to play at Manchester United and you have to look for another club. You have to wait for your moment and when your moment is there you have to contribute and you have to bring your performance. That is what we demand.”
With the team competing on all fronts it’s obvious that the boys have played a lot of football & sooner than later this was bound to happen. EtH may have to seriously consider giving 1 or 2 promising youngster a good run in.In the past we have seen the likes of Maceda grabbing such opportunities by the scruff of the neck & delivering scintillating performances.I doubt if the likes Iqbal can disappoint.