Despite Manchester United’s FA Cup success at the end of last season, manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged that the team is still in the process of building their squad. According to ten Hag, injuries played a significant role in the disappointing eighth-place finish last season. The manager highlighted the lack of depth in comparison to other Premier League clubs as a key hurdle the team faced.
Ten Hag revealed that last season was marred by a high number of injuries, particularly in defensive positions. At one point, the team had almost no defenders available due to constant injury setbacks. The Dutch manager described the situation as “simply bizarre” and emphasized that United were not the only team struggling with injuries.
Long-Term Squad Building
Despite the challenges faced in the previous season, ten Hag remained optimistic about the future. He acknowledged that when he took over, the team had not won a trophy in six years, indicating underlying issues in the squad composition and quality. The manager admitted that building a competitive squad takes time, especially when compared to other top clubs in the league.
FA Cup Triumph and Job Security
Ten Hag’s position seemed precarious towards the end of last season, but a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final secured his job. Reflecting on the win, the Dutchman stressed the importance of maintaining belief within the team despite external pressures. He expressed exhaustion after a demanding season but remained unfazed about his future at the club.
Following the disappointing eighth-place finish, Manchester United underwent a staff overhaul in preparation for the upcoming season. Ten Hag hinted at better times ahead with the implementation of the right structures and improved collaboration within the team. The manager emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the players to achieve success.
Respect for Footballing Mechanisms
Despite his commitment to the club, ten Hag acknowledged the reality of footballing mechanisms regarding job security. The Dutchman stated that if the management believes there is a better candidate for the job, he would respect their decision to part ways. He highlighted the pressure to deliver results at a club like Manchester United and the necessity of keeping the team focused and motivated.
Erik ten Hag’s reflections on Manchester United’s squad building challenges and the impact of injuries shed light on the complexities of managing a top-tier football club. As the team continues its journey towards success, the manager remains focused on overcoming obstacles and building a competitive squad capable of achieving excellence in the Premier League.
Leave a Reply