Ten Hag: Having football knowledge will understand Man Utd's difficulties

According to coach Erik ten Hag, the fact that key players in the defense have had to continuously take long-term breaks due to injuries has negatively affected Man Utd's season.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are the latest defenders to join Man Utd's injury list. Previously, central defenders Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were out for a long time. According to Ten Hag, not having the best defenders is the reason why Man Utd had a bad season. The "Red Devils" were eliminated early in the Champions League, the League Cup and are currently sixth in the Premier League with 49 points, Aston Villa and Tottenham 11 points.

"It's very difficult," Ten Hag said ahead of the Premier League clash with Bournemouth. "Anyone who knows a little about football knows that injuries like that can affect results and performances. The back four is always the foundation for getting results, and we didn't have that. If you watch, you know how negative that can be."

Coach Erik ten Hag directs the match between Man Utd and Liverpool in round 32 of the Premier League at Old Trafford on April 7. Photo: Reuters

Amid the crisis, Ten Hag is relieved to still have Harry Maguire - who refused to leave in the summer of 2023 despite being stripped of the captaincy. This season, in addition to his defensive duties, the England centre-back has scored two goals and provided two assists in 27 games in all competitions.

"We've always been happy with Maguire and of course he always wants to play," said Ten Hag. "Maguire is a great leader, a good defender, very comfortable on the ball. With the injuries, it's even more important for Maguire to lead the defence and play from the back."

Man Utd have lost to late goals in their last three Premier League games, drawing with Brentford and Liverpool and losing to Chelsea. Ten Hag sees positives in Man Utd being able to take the lead, but insists the team needs to focus and learn how to overcome decisive moments to hold on to the three points. "You need to play better in these moments, but it's not about organisation, it's about tactical mistakes, sometimes technical, it's not about the way the team plays. We need to manage some situations better," said the 54-year-old.

Earlier this week, Old Trafford announced that John Murtough would step down after nearly 11 years at the club in various roles. The new owner, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is looking to recruit Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth and Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox.

Ten Hag will miss the support, sending his best wishes to Murtough, but insisting Man Utd must quickly find a replacement for the 2024-2025 season. The Dutch coach insists Murtough's departure will not affect his way of working or the good relationship between him and Ratcliffe.

According to Ten Hag, striker duo Marcus Rashford and midfielder Scott McTominay are doubtful to play against Bournemouth, but will definitely return in time for the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry on April 21.

Hong Duy

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