The list of Manchester United injuries keeps growing, with Harry Maguire reportedly unfit for the Bayern Munich game due to injury. The number is so high that the Red Devils could conveniently field an injured and unavailable starting XI.
Erik Ten Hag, in his presser preceding the Bayern Munich clash tonight, admitted that it is indeed a growing “concern” as he has not been able to field his strongest side in his time at Old Trafford due to injuries and other players’ administrative concerns.
How many Man Utd players are injured right now?
Manchester United has had a dismal start to their 2023–24 Premier League campaign, winning only 2 out of 5 games, and they’ve been struggling off the pitch as well. Antony and Jadon Sancho have been sidelined indefinitely following a criminal allegation and ‘insubordination’, respectively. There are also a number of injured first-team players. Some of whom will be out of the team for months.
The likes of Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Tyrel Malacia, and Aaron Wan Bissaka have been out for a few weeks now and may not return till much later in the year. However, Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Sofyan Amrabat may return to the squad in its next Premier League game, seeing that they have resumed training with the group. According to ESPN, Harry Maguire is the latest player to pick up an injury, ruling him out of the trip to Bayern.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 19, 2023
Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Raphaël Varane have not travelled to Germany for Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League fixture with Bayern Munich. ❌ pic.twitter.com/5kvdd9IWdw
The extensive number of absent players has undeniably heightened the challenge for Manchester United as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in Germany. On top of that, Bayern Munich has not suffered a defeat in a Champions League group stage match for nearly a decade, further adding to the formidable test that awaits United.
Erik Ten Tag talks about the injury crisis
Erik ten Hag has openly acknowledged that Manchester United’s growing list of unavailable players is a matter of concern. He also revealed that he has seldom had the opportunity to field his optimal starting lineup during this season and his entire time at the club.
Erik ten Hag on injuries denying him a settled XI: "One thing is true: from the start of last season I don't think I ever started with, in my opinion, the best starting XI. There was always injuries. We always got results apart from the period that we are in now. I have…
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) September 19, 2023
“One thing is true, from the start of last season, I almost never started with the best starting XI; it was always something like an injury,” Ten Hag told a news conference in Munich on Tuesday.
“But you have to deal with it, and we always get the results, apart from the period we are in now. It’s a concern, but that’s why we constructed the squad with depth so that we can deal with it. The squad can deal with it.”
Admitting the inevitability of injuries, he stated that “Injuries always come in top football because we’re living on the edge, and injuries are coming up. We analyse why things happen, but we also have to deal with the facts, and it’s always about the players available. We have a strong side and must get the best out of it.”
Against the Champions League clash tonight at the Allianz Arena, Ten Hag has warned his players to maintain focus at all times, seeing that their opponent is “very attractive and skilful.” He concluded, saying, “You can’t be unfocused for one second, one split second, because there is so much individual class that they have.”
What are your predictions on Bayern vs. United? Tell us what you think in the comments.
