Erik ten Hag is apprehensive about Manchester United needing to improve their squad depth, particularly in light of the over 60 injuries that plagued his team last season, which he fears could recur due to players bearing heavy workloads.
This summer, United has already acquired defender Leny Yoro and forward Joshua Zirkzee. The manager is additionally seeking a full-back, with Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui on the radar, as well as a defensive midfielder, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte drawing interest.
United finished eighth last season, marking the lowest point in the Premier League era for the club. Ten Hag remarked that although his preferred starting eleven is strong, additional quality is essential to protect against injuries.
“We already made two excellent signings,” the Dutch manager stated. “So when everyone is fit, we have a squad capable of winning against any opponent, but we must enhance our squad depth because injuries affected us last season.
“We are susceptible and need to prevent this by reducing injuries; additionally, our squad needs to be robust,” Ten Hag continued. “The quality we possess in depth must improve, especially as this season will be about survival of the fittest.”
Ten Hag also cautioned that the injury issues witnessed last season could occur once more. “It can happen again,” he acknowledged. “As I mentioned, it’s a matter of survival of the fittest. It is vital for us to ensure medical excellence and performance. The players must operate effectively because the standards are extremely high, not just on match days but every single day.
“There are numerous factors contributing to this situation,” he added. “The sheer number of matches. The schedule. The demands placed on players, coupled with immense pressure, are significant. We’re not the only team experiencing such levels of injuries; in fact, we weren’t even the worst affected last season. Additionally, we faced unfortunate luck, particularly in our defensive lineup, which cost us vital points. The demands on players will be exceptionally high with the new competition format in European tournaments next season.”
Ten Hag expressed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s evaluation of his continuation as manager, which involved looking into several potential successors, is now a thing of the past.
“We are embarking on a new season; we have left everything behind and are focused on what’s ahead,” the 54-year-old asserted. “It’s an exciting project, and the journey has its ups and downs… we are now full of energy, with good dynamics and a positive spirit, eager to work and seek victory.
after newsletter promotion
“I don’t focus on whether I am in a strong or weak position,” Ten Hag added, having extended his contract at Old Trafford until June 2026. “I aim to collaborate; I cannot accomplish this alone. Everyone—players, staff, and leadership—must contribute, and I am confident that we will achieve even greater success.”
Marcus Rashford had a disappointing season last year, netting only eight goals across all competitions. Ten Hag has faith in his forward to rediscover his form after missing out on the England squad for Euro 2024.
“Rashford has the potential to elevate his game; he is a capable scorer who, at a fairly young age, has already achieved a significant number of goals. I have full confidence in him to replicate the performance of two years ago,” the manager said.
United has appointed Andreas Georgson as a first-team coach, who comes from Norway’s Lillestrøm, where he served as head coach since January. The club’s next pre-season match is set against Arsenal at LA’s SoFi Stadium on Saturday evening.
