Ten Hag makes ridiculous claim that Arsenal have been lucky this season; says Man Utd injury issues have been far worse
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that Premier League leaders Arsenal have been lucky with injuries this season, compared to the issues he has faced with his squad.
The Gunners are currently 16 points better off than the Red Devils, with Mikel Arteta guiding them towards their first league title since 2004.
Ten Hag’s comments have been the subject of backlash on social media, with fans pointing out that his somewhat bitter claims do not reflect the truth.
In a recent press conference ahead of Man Utd’s Europa League clash with Real Betis, the Dutch manager appeared to be a frustrated figure when discussing his side’s current injury issues.
He said: “I think we have only had one game when we have had the full squad available, every other time in the season we have had a player suspended, injured or ill.
“Of course, you see Arsenal and they almost have a full squad available all the time.”
United winger Garnacho has been ruled out for the foreseeable future after picking up an ankle ligament injury in their recent draw to Southampton at Old Trafford.
He joins the likes of Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, Antony and Anthony Martial on the sidelines, as we enter into a crucial stage of the season.
Ten Hag’s ridiculous claim debunked
While Man Utd have definitely endured their fair share of injuries this season, to claim that Arsenal have had a ‘full squad available all the time’ is quite simply, wrong.
For example, one of the Gunners’ most important players Gabriel Jesus has been sidelined since the World Cup break, picking up a serious knee injury, and missing the London club’s last 15 games, with Arteta still waiting for him to return to full fitness.
More recently, Eddie Nketiah has been unavailable for Arsenal’s recent games against Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon and Fulham with a knock to his ankle.
This has left the London club without a natural centre-forward, and yet, Arteta’s side have still managed to pick up two wins and one draw, scoring eight goals in the process.
While the Red Devils have definitely had more injury problems to deal with this season, for Ten Hag to suggest that Arsenal are lucky to find themselves topping the Premier League table with 11 games remaining, just seems bitter.
As mentioned, Man Utd are currently without Eriksen, Van de Beek, Antony and Anthony Martial, while Marcel Sabitzer has a minor knock and Casemiro is currently suspended.
But, this is just a typical consequence of a Premier League season, so perhaps Ten Hag should focus more on his own team than making unsubstantiated claims about a rival.
