Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag feels Arsenal have not had much injury concerns throughout the season which has helped them majorly. Ten Hag revealed that the only time he had his full team available was when they defeated Manchester City.
United have been missing Alejandro Garnacho for a few weeks whereas Anthony Martial and Antony aren’t fully fit and available and have not travelled to Spain to play Real Betis in the 2nd leg of the Europa League.
The Dutchman is frustrated with the injury crisis at manchester United and hence he made such comment on Arsenal. His statement comes despite Gabriel Jesus’ long time injury layoff. The Brazilian was first time in action since November.
“Man City home [2-1 victory in January], it was the only time this season [that United had a fully fit squad], in other times, every time, every game is a player suspended, injured, illness. So we have to deal with it well, of course, you hope. I see Arsenal, they almost have all the time a squad that is totally available,” Ten Hag stated at the pre match press conference.
Ten Hag is positive that United will be fighting for the title next season but he also agrees that it won’t be easy. He feels that it will be a seven horse race and admits that the league has been tougher than ever.
“The Premier League was never that difficult as now; there are so many competitors. It is not a two-horse race; it is a five, six, seven-horse race. For what we want, there are six or seven clubs more [who want the same]. We are capable of doing it but we are aware within the club that we still have steps to go,” he opined.
The former Ajax manager has admitted that the Red Devils have improved a lot in the last few months and are now fighting to win every game. He also highlights that his team has beaten top teams and are looking to take the next step.
“I think we have made good progress, but we also have to acknowledge that there is still a gap. I couldn’t expect us to close that gap quickly. We are trying to win every game and we have beaten all of the top teams. We are capable of doing it. We have to take the next step to do it more consistently. With time, we can do it,” Ten Hag concluded.
Manchester United will travel to Benito Villamarin to face Real Betis in the second leg after winning the first leg 4-1.
