London (AFP) – In an attempt to battle the illnesses and injuries that could ruin Manchester United’s season, Erik ten Hag has not ruled out making loan additions.
In the FA Cup third round on Monday, Ten Hag defeated third-tier Wigan 2-0, but at least ten of their key players were absent.
Brazil’s Antony, a winger, was hurt, and Christian Eriksen, a midfielder for Denmark, missed the match because of illness.
United’s substitutes were all young players; Facundo Pellistri, who is 22 years old, was the oldest outfield player on the bench.
Ten Hag is aware of how thin his roster is right now, despite his optimism that some players would be back in time for Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Tottenham.
The Dutch manager was questioned about whether United would contemplate making both temporary and permanent players during the January transfer window.
“We take everything into account. The players’ best interests as well as the interests of Manchester United as a team should therefore be prioritised. Thus, we’ll monitor our progress during the window,” he stated.
United is wallowing in eighth place in the Premier League, nine points outside of the top four, and has been eliminated from both the Champions League and the League Cup.
Ten Hag said that losing so many players in a short period of time has been annoying.
He won’t, however, use that as a justification for their miserable run, which included five losses from their nine games prior to the Wigan meeting.
“I don’t want to be frustrated because I can do nothing for it, it will not help to support the team,” Ten Hag stated.
“We’re attempting to achieve the best performance and outcomes possible with the players we have available.
“I think there will be some players that are hopeful they can be back for the weekend.”
Ten Hag is hoping Eriksen can be back in time for the Spurs game; Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw might be available as well.
The FA Cup fourth round tie will take place at either League Two Newport or non-league Eastleigh, following the victory against Wigan.
United’s sole chance to win anything this season is in this competition, where they finished second previous season.
“I don’t think (the focus on the FA Cup) would change if you are still in Europe,” Ten Hag stated.
“There is fierce rivalry. Everyone is hoping to win this match. Thus, we take each game very seriously.”
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