Some members of the Manchester United squad have reportedly attributed the club’s poor form this season to being overworked in pre-season.
Manchester United have endured a challenging start to Ten Hag’s second season in charge, with the Red Devils having lost nine of their opening 18 games in all competitions.
After EFL Cup success, an FA Cup final appearance and a top three finish in the Premier League last season, the club’s poor performances this time around have caused alarm at Old Trafford. United are currently sixth in the table and bottom of their Champions League group.
According to The Guardian, there is discontent among sections of the squad regarding their pre-season campaign. United’s summer schedule included eight friendlies played across five countries, while Ten Hag is understood to have increased the intensity of sessions in a bid to enter the season at peak fitness.
However, some squad members have reportedly complained of being overworked in pre-season and fatigued as the new campaign got underway.
United have also been plagued with injury and off-field issues this season and currently have 10 unavailable players.
Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen are the latest names to have joined a lengthy list of absentees, which includes Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and the currently exiled Jadon Sancho. United travel to face Everton in the Premier League this weekend.