Ahead of Sunday’s match against West Ham, Manchester United will be missing defenders Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia, along with midfielders Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo, all due to injuries. Manager Erik ten Hag sees these fitness issues as a major reason for United’s disappointing season start.
“Injuries hold us back in our levels – and also in our position in the league.” Ten Hag explained to the media. “Because when you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team. We need more players, often available – and we have to work all together on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We know when we have them we are a really tough team to play and we can be really successful. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”
While injuries, paired with United’s FA Cup win, ultimately helped preserve Ten Hag’s position last season, every top team faces similar challenges. The expectation is that they can still thrive under such pressures. And after spending £200 million on new signings this summer, patience for using injuries as an explanation may be running out, especially as United find themselves in the lower half of the Premier League and still searching for their first Europa League win this season.
United will look to build momentum with a second consecutive league victory as they face West Ham this weekend. They’ll then close out October with a Carabao Cup round of 16 home match against Leicester City.
Manchester United performance and stats
Manchester United is currently 12th in the Premier League with 11 points.
In the last 8 games, it has won 3 times, drew twice, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Manchester United won 2-1 against Brentford.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 7 goals and conceding 9.
Manchester United will play the next match in Premier League against West Ham United on Sunday 27th of October in London. The prediction is Manchester United winning the match.
