Erik Ten Hag Refutes Wayne Rooney’s Claims About Manchester United’s Injury Situation.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has strongly denied Wayne Rooney’s claim that some of the club’s injured players are avoiding matches in the latter stages of the 2023-24 season.
After United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Premier League, former captain Wayne Rooney suggested that certain players were using their injuries as an excuse to miss games, potentially to prepare for the FA Cup final and summer international duties.
Ten Hag refuted this claim, highlighting that players such as Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane are all eager to return. Martinez is expected to come back from a calf injury for Wednesday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United, with Fernandes and Rashford also possibly available for the game.
Ten Hag emphasized that “the players are desperate to play,” and noted that the squad is likely to be reinforced for their final three matches of the season.
Ten Hag disputes Rooney’s controversial claim
“You have to see here at Carrington. The players are desperate to play,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“I have seen that Licha Martinez [wants to play]. Bruno did a fitness test on Sunday to play. Rashford did everything he could. He trained and tried to train last week but didn’t make it.
“Players are desperate to play and want to be in the right shape. You see Victor Lindelof and Rapha Varane, they are training to make themselves available for the final. They do what they can.”
Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, and Mason Mount are also currently sidelined, but Willy Kambwala returned from injury as a second-half substitute in the one-goal home defeat to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Ten Hag also emphasized that he will not be saying goodbye to the Man United fans against Newcastle, as he expects to remain in charge of the Red Devils despite widespread speculation about his future.
Ten Hag not planning Old Trafford farewell
“Yes, we will do a lap of honour,” Ten Hag confirmed. “Of course, we will show our appreciation to the fans. In good times and bad, we are together, and the fans demonstrate that unity. So, yes, we will do a lap of honour.
“Goodbye for me? It’s not how I feel or see it. That’s not my mindset as we start that lap of honour for the fans, no.
“In the stadium, both home and away, the fans always support the team and me. Even when I’m in the streets, many approach me.
“Maybe it’s just politeness, but I don’t feel any negativity. I almost never get a negative reaction because the fans understand our situation. They know this club is in a transition and recognize the significant problems we’ve had, especially in key areas.”
Manchester United are currently eighth in the Premier League table, but they would qualify for next season’s Europa League by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.
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