Erik ten Hag laments he never had ‘first-choice’ Man United team available to him ahead of FA Cup clash

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has lamented that he never had a fully-fit squad available at his disposal in the last 18 months and that it may have affected the overall performance. Ten Hag's statement came ahead of the crucial FA Cup semifinal clash against Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday (Apr 21).

Ten Hag took over as the United boss in the summer of 2022, replacing Austrian Ralf Ragnick, but the performance of the team has remained highly inconsistent during his tenure.

«I don't have any concern [about what is said on the outside]. 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,» Ten Hag said at a news conference.

«One time, against 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.»

The former Ajax manager took a sly dig at the pundits and said results could not be delivered with the plethora of injuries he has had to face.

«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.»

Also read | 'It's unacceptable...': United manager Erik Ten Hag unimpressed after performance against Leeds

I do not care: Ten Hag

Notably, Ten Hag's job has been under immense scrutiny due to the string of poor performances the team has conjured under him. The Dutch manager won the Carabao Cup last year but United's overall gameplay has remained highly chaotic since then.

Last month, Ten Hag said he did not 'care' about the murmurs surrounding his job, with England manager Gareth Southgate