Erik ten Hag has bemoaned that Manchester United are “not ready” for the 2024/25 English Premier League season.
Ten Hag made these assertions in a presser hours before their opening league game against Fulham on Friday, August 16, 2024. The game will kick-off at 8 p.m.
Why Erik Ten Hag Said Manchester United Are Not Ready For The New Season?
The Dutchman’s shocking stance is coming despite the reinforcement made by Manchester United this summer.
Speaking in a presser ahead of the encounter against Fulham at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag said:
“The team is not ready, but the league starts. We can’t hide from it. We have to deal with it.”
Several Manchester United players were involved in international engagements this summer, with many of Ten Hag’s squad going into the latter stages of top competitions like Euro 2024 and Copa America.
Many of the club’s first-team players were absent from most, if not all, of the Red Devils pre-season tour of the United States and will need time to acclimatize back to club setting.
This obviously indicates that Erik ten Hag didn’t have many training sessions with the squad and as such, he is concerned about their match readiness level.
The former Ajax boss also noted the new signings made this summer by Manchester United, saying:
“It’s very complicated. [We had] the USA tour squad and then we added the players at Euros and Copa America and now new signings and we have to make a team from it.”
Matthijs de Ligt And Noussair Mazraoui Are Expected To Make Their Debuts Against Fulham
Additionally, Ten Hag made it known that he is ready to hand the duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who were signed from Bayern Munich their debuts against Fulham.
Despite only having a handful of training sessions with their new teammates, Erik ten Hag is not bothered about making use of de Ligt and Mazraoui for the upcoming fixture.
Sharing his comments about his squad, the 54-year-old said: “Issues are there, but it’s not about the players who are not available. Same as last season it’s about the players who are available.
“We have a good group, we can make a strong selection and we can put out a strong team and we will do. They will be in the squad and Harry Maguire will be in the squad as well.”
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw will play no part in the clash against the Cottagers due to an injury that he picked up during pre-season training with Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag has assured fans that Shaw will not be a long-term absentee, and he should be back sooner rather than later.
The absence of Luke Shaw alongside Tyrell Malacia, who is still recovering from a long-term injury, which he suffered before the commencement of the 2023/24 season, could see Noussair Mazraoui being deployed in that position.
What Erik ten Hag Loves About Noussair Mazraoui?
Ten Hag also spoke highly about Mazroui during the press conference, pointing out what he loves about the player’s game.
Erik ten Hag is not really fixated on the player’s versatility, but majorly his temperament.
The Dutchman said: “In English football, there is always pressure on the ball and one of his key attributes is that it’s very difficult to put him under pressure.
“We can sort problems on the left side, with, for instance, Licha Martinez and Diogo Dalot is capable of playing there. Noussar can also fill the position.”
Will Joshua Zirkzee Feature For Manchester United Against Fulham?
Manchester United also secured the services of Joshua Zirkzee this summer from Bologna, but it is unknown if he would feature against Fulham, having not featured in pre-season for the Red Devils.
It appears Ten Hag is not willing to rush him into the fray, although there is the possibility that due to Rasmus Hojlund being sidelined with an injury until September, Zirkzee could make his debut against the Cottagers.
Leny Yoro
Defensive prodigy Leny Yoro, who was signed from Lille this summer, has also been ruled out until November 2024, due to an injury he sustained against Arsenal on July 28, 2024.
Given the signings made this summer by the Red Devils alongside noticeable changes in the managerial and administrative departments, Manchester United fans are not ready to listen to many excuses this campaign.
It will be fascinating to see how the Manchester-based club fares this season, as they aim to return to its glory days.
