Ten Haag: “If we didn’t have so many absences, we would have more points”

In the many absences due to injuries, her coach paid off Manchester UnitedErik ten Haag, the home defeat by Arsenal (0-1). The “red devils” after their ninth defeat in all competitions this year have fallen to eighth place in the Premier League. He has also conceded 82 goals this season in all competitions, the most in a single campaign since 1970-71.

“I don’t know where we would be if we had all the players available but for sure if all the players are there then you get more pointssaid Ten Haag, who had at least six defenders out through injury, including midfielder Bruno Fernandes and striker Marcus Rashford.

“Certainly if you are full you will be more consistent, especially in the defensive line because, yes, now we concede a lot of chances, a lot of goals and last year we had the most matches without conceding a goal in the Premier League. You can’t develop a team when, especially in certain key areas, it’s like swimming with your hands behind your back. Then, you have to keep your head up and above the… water level. And that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re still in a cup final, that’s good, but if you want to develop a team, you need the right players“, the Dutch coach continued.

United’s remaining league fixtures include a home game against sixth-placed Newcastle and a trip to Brighton, while they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 25.