Encountered Some Challenges Erik Ten Hag Discloses New Manchester United Fitness Concern
Encountered Some Challenges Erik Ten Hag Discloses New Manchester United Fitness Concern
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag stated that Harry Maguire “encountered some challenges” with a fitness issue during the first half of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth but managed to overcome it. Maguire is presently the club’s sole fit senior central defender, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof sidelined due to injury problems.
The England international once again partnered with Willy Kambwala in the heart of the defense against Bournemouth, with the 19-year-old benefiting from the team’s fitness concerns. Ten Hag mentioned that his side “struggled” in the opening half of Saturday’s game and also noted a fitness issue for Maguire, but the former Sheffield United youngster was able to complete the full 90 minutes of the match.
Manchester United twice rallied from behind to secure a point at the Vitality Stadium, with club captain Bruno Fernandes scoring a brace for his side, including one from the penalty s
“We understand the importance of winning. Our aim is to compete for top positions. As you saw in the game, we faced difficulties in the first half. Maguire encountered some challenges, but he managed to overcome them because we needed him,” Ten Hag explained to BBC Sport after the match.
“The second half was a significant improvement. What’s positive is that we twice fought back from a losing position. The team spirit is strong. Towards the end, we could have been more composed and controlled the game better.
“The opposition was fatigued after expending so much energy in the first half, which left gaps, but unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on them.”
Ten Hag also commended Fernandes for his leadership on the field, highlighting the Portugal international’s two goals, one of which came from inside the box to equalize in the first half, and the other from the penalty spot in the second half.
“He scored twice and showed great creativity. It’s evident that he brings a lot of energy to the team and acts as a true captain, leading by example. We’re delighted with his contribution,” remarked the Dutchman.
“We’re all disappointed with the result, and he reflects that sentiment. It’s imperative for us to win our matches, and dropping points unnecessarily in recent games is frustrating.”
Earlier in the day, Manchester United slipped to seventh place in the Premier League table after Newcastle United’s 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur propelled them into sixth position.
Despite earning a point, it wasn’t sufficient for the Red Devils to reclaim sixth place, as they now trail Newcastle United on goal difference. Moreover, they find themselves 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with just six games remaining.
Ten Hag’s team will now shift their focus to the FA Cup, where they will face Championship side Coventry City in the semi-finals next weekend.
