Erik ten Hag believes Arsenal have been fortunate when it comes to their squad being “totally available” this season, although fans have pointed out some flaws in his comments.
Whether it be through injury or suspension, Manchester United have often been without at least one key player during the 2022/23 campaign.
Other names include Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and more recently Alejandro Garnacho, who is facing several weeks weeks out after he picked up a knock in their goalless draw with Southampton.
The Reds haven’t exactly been lucky when it comes to injuries and suspensions.
And speaking in his press conference ahead of their Europa League clash against Real Betis on Thursday, Erik ten Hag made some interesting comments on the subject.
“I think we have only had one game when we have had the full squad available,” he said. “Every other time in the season we have had a player suspended, injured or ill.”
He added: “Of course you see Arsenal and they almost have a full squad available all the time.”
As you can see in the footage above, Ten Hag lamented United’s luck when it comes to absentees but Arsenal have also suffered in the injury department.
Gabriel Jesus suffered a medial collateral ligament injury on international duty in November and needed surgery to correct the issue.
The Brazilian forward marked his return last week by coming on as a second-half substitute against Fulham but if you look back again, the Gunners have been hit with more setbacks.
Emile Smith-Rowe has had a torrid time with injuries, playing just 110 minutes of football this season, while Kieran Tierney, Mohamed Elneny, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Eddie Nketiah and Thomas Partey have also been sidelined for long periods.
Here’s how fans have reacted to Ten Hag’s comments.
One said: “This just isn’t true at all,” while another wrote: “He does not watch us, whatsoever.”
A third commented: “We’ve literally been without our main striker for four months. Zinny missed 7 games, one of our top scorers last year been out for months (ESR). Partey missed Old Trafford fixture and missed game with City. Because we’re in a good place they need to find ways to play it down.”
A fourth added: “This guys such a moaner. We’ve had Partey, Zinchenko and Jesus all injured for significant periods this season and all are integral to the way we play.”
Do you think Ten Hag has a point? Or has he misjudged his comments on this occasion?
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