Erik ten Hag believes that Manchester United’s “really crazy” injury list is the primary reason behind their disappointing campaign.
The Red Devils could win the FA Cup this Saturday, but the team have been below par this season, finishing eighth in the Premier League and suffering a group stage exit from the Uefa Champions League.
Man United have sustained 65 cases of injury or illness that have caused a player to miss a match this term. One of the biggest misses has been Luke Shaw, who the Dutchman believes is the best in the world in his position, but has been absent since mid-February with a hamstring injury.
Ten Hag labels Man Utd star ‘best in the world’
“Luke Shaw is the best left-back in the world,” Ten Hag told Voetbal International. “But he has suffered a horrible injury at the start of his career and because of this he will never be able to play 60 games per season.
“Tyrell Malacia didn’t play a single minute of football this year.”
Like Shaw and Malacia, Harry Maguire will be sidelined for the final against Manchester City, but Ten Hag otherwise has the rare opportunity to pick from a mostly fit squad. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are expected to start in the backline for only the sixth time this season.
“The injuries have been really crazy,” he added. “Not long ago I had to start my 15th different centre-back duo of the season.
“I have had 33 different defensive lines this season. Sofyan Amrabat had to play left back four times. We have had injuries all over the pitch.
“Casemiro has been out for a long time. Rasmus Hojlund, the striker we bought, suffered from three injuries and I can keep going on and on. This is the core story of our season.”
