Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, acknowledged that the team is still in the process of building their squad and has less depth compared to many of their Premier League rivals. He attributed last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish to a series of injuries that plagued the team throughout the campaign. Despite extending his contract until 2026 earlier this month, there were speculations that he would be fired due to the poor performance of the team.
Ten Hag revealed that Manchester United faced constant injuries, particularly in defensive positions, which left the team with a shortage of available defenders at one point. He described the total of 61 matches played in all competitions last season as “simply bizarre,” highlighting the impact that injuries had on the team’s performance. He emphasized that injuries were not unique to United and that other clubs also faced similar challenges.
The manager admitted that when he took charge, United had not won a trophy in six years, indicating underlying issues in the composition and quality of the player group. He recognized that the squad lacked depth compared to other top clubs in the Premier League, making it challenging to cope with injuries effectively. Despite the difficulties, he remained committed to the ongoing process of building a stronger team.
Ten Hag’s position at the club seemed precarious towards the end of the season, but a remarkable 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley helped salvage his job. He attributed the success to instilling belief in his team and maintaining a positive environment despite external pressures. The Dutchman admitted that the season left him exhausted but expressed confidence in his future at the club.
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Ten Hag remained pragmatic about his position at Manchester United. He acknowledged that if the management deemed someone else to be a better fit for the role, he would respect their decision and step aside. He emphasized the competitive nature of football and the need to deliver results consistently to succeed at a club like United.
Despite the setbacks of the previous season, Ten Hag indicated optimism about the future of the club. Following a staff overhaul and a focus on improving structures and relationships within the team, he believed that better times were ahead for Manchester United. He stressed the importance of working together cohesively and maintaining a positive rapport with the players to achieve success.
Erik ten Hag’s candid assessment of Manchester United’s squad depth issues and challenges provides insights into the team’s ongoing evolution. While acknowledging past shortcomings, he remains determined to build a stronger team and lead them to greater success in the future.