Erik ten Hag reveals what concerns him most about Man Utd

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has stressed he is not bothered by criticism he has faced recently, but is rather concerned with the rarity in which he's had a fully fit squad to pick from.

The Red Devils were expected to build on the progress of Ten Hag's debut 2022/23 season at the helm, but they have underwhelmed in the Premier League and are now huge outsiders to qualify for next year's Champions League.

Ten Hag has come under fire for United's poor performances, with an emphasis placed on the alarming number of shots his side faces in any given match.

Speaking to the media ahead of their FA Cup semi-final with Coventry City on Sunday, the Dutchman explained why he is far more worried about the state of his United squad.

"I don't have any concern [about what is said on the outside]," Ten Hag said. "What concerns me is that in 18 months I have never had my favourite team on the pitch, that concerns me, because players are injured.

"One time, against [Manchester] City at home last season - that is the only time I had a full squad where I can pick my team. In all the other games always there was an injury aspect we have to deal with. That is normal in football but not so many as we have had, and I know when you have so many injuries as we have had in crucial key positions you can't deliver the results you want to bring.

"That is my truth, others can have a different truth but I can't put energy in that."

Following news that Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat and Willy Kambwala will not be fit to face Coventry, United's number of separate injury or illness cases has passed 60 for the season.

Such is the extent of their injury crisis that out-of-form midfielder Casemiro is in line to start at centre-back, with Harry Maguire - who has missed several training sessions this week due to a minor issue - the only fit senior option left in Ten Hag's ranks.

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