Manager Erik ten Hag stated on the eve of Thursday’s Premier League match that Manchester United will next travel to Chelsea, a squad that may be clinging to 12th place in the standings but is capable of defeating virtually any team.
With 48 points, United is sixth in the rankings, 11 points behind Aston Villa in fourth place. However, United still has a game in hand and has to win at Stamford Bridge to qualify for the Champions League.
A double from Scott McTominay helped them upset Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford in December under the direction of Mauricio Pochettino.
“It’s a tough competition, it’s very tight and also a lot about which players are available and not,” Ten Hag told the media.
“When you are on the right side of the line you can have a successful season but when on the wrong side you can have a much more difficult season.”For the remainder, Chelsea has a great team with great players who play excellent football; they have proven in this league that they are capable of defeating anyone.”
With both defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof expected to miss at least a month due to muscular problems, United has been dealt a double injury blow.
The Dutchman is relieved to see Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans back in training given the defensive issues.
Northern Irishman Evans has missed United’s last two games, and Frenchman Varane was substituted by Harry Maguire in the 46th minute of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Ten Hag declared, “No more problems, we don’t need them.”
“We have a lot of alternatives in the midfield and forward line, but not enough in the back line. The good news is that Maguire returned to training yesterday, and Varane and Evans are back this afternoon.”
He stated that while many clubs are dealing with injuries, United would handle the increase in muscular problems.
“It is not possible to stop the issues,” Ten Hag stated.
“The Premier League has very high standards. There is an enormous amount of football in the international schedule. Our team consists entirely of international players.”The issues are with (Manchester) City, Liverpool, and Newcastle (United), particularly in the defense.”