- Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admits his team is “not ready” for the Premier League opener against Fulham due to injuries
- New signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui joined late, limiting their training time with the squad ahead of the match
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed concerns that his team may be unprepared for their Premier League opener against Fulham. The match, taking place today at Old Trafford, sees new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in the squad, but they only joined the team yesterday and have had limited time to train with their new teammates.
In addition to the challenge of integrating new players, Ten Hag is dealing with several injury concerns. Defender Luke Shaw is sidelined with a calf injury, while new £52m signing Leny Yoro will be out for three months following an injury sustained in early August. Forward Rasmus Hojlund is also struggling with a hamstring issue.
“We can’t hide from it. We have to deal with it,” Ten Hag said, acknowledging the team’s current lack of readiness.
United’s other summer signing, Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee, could debut against Fulham after being an unused substitute during the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.
Ten Hag faces additional selection issues at left-back. With Shaw injured and Tyrell Malacia out for another two months due to knee surgery, the manager has limited options in this position. Shaw has not played for United since February, although he did feature for England at Euro 2024.
The challenge of preparing the team for the new season amid these setbacks adds to the pressure on Ten Hag and his squad.
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