Erik ten Hag has blamed Manchester United’s lengthy injury list for the wretched run that has left the beleaguered boss fighting to save his job.
The Dutchman presided over United’s worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1989/90, though last week’s win against Brentford eased the pressure.
United are languishing in 12th place in the Premier League as they head to West Ham on Sunday for a match Ten Hag cannot afford to lose.
After escaping with a 1-1 draw from Thursday’s Europa League trip to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, United have now won just once in their past seven games in all competitions.
Ten Hag was without a host of players due to fitness issues in Istanbul, where United winger Antony also suffered an injury shortly after being introduced in the second half.
Asked about Antony’s status after he left the pitch on a stretcher and the stadium on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot, Ten Hag said he did not know the severity of the injury.
Pressed on the reason for United’s poor form, Ten Hag was quick to cite an injury list that has deprived him of Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo among others.
“That holds us back in our levels, and also in our position in the league because when you don’t have the players available you can’t line up the best team,” he said.
“That is what’s holding us back in this moment. We need more players often available, and we have to work all together on this point — and that is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff.
“We have to do better to get more available players because we know when we have them we are a really tough team to play.
“And when we have them, we can be really successful. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”
