The absence of key players due to injuries has negatively affected Manchester United. This opinion was expressed by manager Eric ten Haag, who will not be able to count on six defenders for this weekend's visit to Bournemouth, writes FOCUS.
Central defenders Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans joined the injury list. Also in the infirmary are the permanently injured Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, who has not played a single minute this season.
With injuries forcing a constant reshuffling of the squad, Manchester United are in sixth place with 49 points, 11 behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
"It's difficult. Anyone with even a little knowledge of football knows the impact injuries have on results. The back four is the basis for achieving good results. We can't count on that, but we have to win.
We have to take responsibility, but we cannot escape the negative impact that injuries have,", explained Ten Haag at the press conference before the match.
The Dutchman praised the team's until recently captain Harry Maguire, who is one of the few available in defence. In the summer, he was on the verge of a transfer to West Ham, but the deal fell through.
"We have always been happy with Harry, but he wants to play regularly. He is a leader, a very good defender and feels comfortable with the ball at his feet.
With these qualities and the problems we have, he is an even more important figure for us. We are happy that he is here and with him we can achieve the goals we have set for ourselves," Ten Haag added.
The specialist revealed that striker Marcus Rashford and midfielder Scott McTominay are questionable for the visit of Bournemouth.