At a press conference held at the Allianz Arena, Ten Hag addressed the issues that have left Manchester United without some of their key players. The Reds have been hit hard by injuries, and the absence of certain star players is casting a shadow over their preparations for the Group A clash against the formidable Bayern Munich.
One of the notable absentees is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the talented right-back, who has been sidelined due to an injury sustained after the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Alongside him, the towering defender and team captain, Harry Maguire, also finds himself on the injury list. Both players were conspicuously absent from the 21-man travelling squad announced earlier, raising concerns about the team’s defensive stability.
Despite the setbacks, there were glimpses of hope as Raphael Varane and Mason Mount returned to training at Carrington on Tuesday morning. However, Ten Hag opted not to risk them for the trip to Bavaria, prioritizing their long-term fitness over a potentially rushed return to action.
In terms of Harry Maguire’s absence, Ten Hag commented, “He had some complaints, and we have to see how bad it is. So he finished training, but it was not good enough to travel.” This uncertainty surrounding Maguire’s condition is undoubtedly a cause for concern for Manchester United.
When asked about the growing injury list, Ten Hag expressed his worries, acknowledging the challenges it presents: “Yes, of course, it is a concern. That is why we knew that before when we constructed the squad with that, so we can deal with it. The squad can deal with it.” The manager’s emphasis on squad depth and adaptability underscores his commitment to managing this adversity.
Ten Hag also highlighted the frustration of rarely being able to field his preferred starting XI since taking charge of the club. He noted, “One thing is true, from the start last season, I almost never started with the best, in my opinion, starting XI.” Despite this, he expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the situation and find success.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of top-level football, and Ten Hag emphasized the importance of focusing on the available players and adapting the lineup accordingly. He stated, “The doctors are dealing with the injury problems. Injuries are always coming in top football because we are living on the edge.”
As Manchester United faces Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League opener, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The team engaged in an open training session at Carrington before their flight to Bavaria, with Raphael Varane and Mason Mount rejoining the group. While their inclusion in the squad for Wednesday’s kick-off is yet to be confirmed, their return is a welcome development for Ten Hag’s team.
Raphael Varane, who scored the team’s first goal of the season, offers valuable experience and quality, having previously won the competition with Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Mason Mount, a summer signing from Chelsea, is eager to make his mark after limited opportunities to showcase his talent.
Although Manchester United will likely still have several players unavailable for the match, the return of Varane and Mount injects optimism into the squad. Their potential participation could prove pivotal in the quest for a successful Champions League campaign.
Additionally, the training session on Tuesday provided more positive signs as Kobbie Mainoo, on the comeback trail from injury, engaged in a light running exercise at Carrington. The 18-year-old is looking to make a strong return after suffering an injury during a match against Real Madrid in the United States.
Sofyan Amrabat, on loan from Fiorentina, was also spotted working individually. The Moroccan midfielder is eagerly awaiting his debut for Manchester United, and fans are eager to see what he can bring to the team.
While the full details of the travelling squad are yet to be announced, there is an air of anticipation surrounding Manchester United’s Champions League opener. Despite the injury setbacks, the return of key players and the resilience of the squad under Ten Hag’s leadership offer hope that the Reds can overcome their challenges and make a strong statement on the European stage.
