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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag insisted in an interview following his side suffered another league defeat that "no team can deal with our problems and injuries", the BBC reported.
In the 20th round of the Premier League, the Red Devils lost 1-2 away to Nottingham Forest and failed to continue the momentum they had at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday. With one more game, the gap with the top four widens to 9 points. INEOS chief executive Sir Dave Brailsford was on hand to watch the game grim. The defeat also brought Ten Hag, who was already in turmoil, to the edge of the cliff.
However, there are also objective factors in United's defeat, with a wide range of injuries limiting manager Ten Hag's tactical options and staffing. There were key players out at the back and in key positions in midfield, and even up front, Danish centre-forward Hojlund, who had just regained his form, was unavailable due to injury again before the game.
The Dutch boss told the BBC: "We are very aware of this, we have to be consistent and consistent in our performances, we have to do better. There are 90 minutes in a game and we have to put in from the first minute. We hope that all the players who have been injured will return in the new year, and they will enrich the team's tactics and strengthen the team's depth. ”
Commenting on the game, he said: "The team had a good first half but didn't put in enough in the last fifteen minutes. I think we should create more opportunities. After the equaliser in the second half, I thought the game was in our rhythm but we conceded a goal. We have the advantage, but not good enough to win here. ”
At the end of the interview, Ten Hag defended himself again: "I know the reason for the slump, but no team can handle so many problems and injuries that we have. When there were so many injuries and there was not enough depth in the squad, we did everything we could. ”
Manchester United's next task is an FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic in League One, where they will be firm favourites. After that, they host Tottenham Hotspur, who are on a hot spur this season, likely to hand Ten Hag's Red Devils their 10th league defeat of the season. United have suffered 14 defeats in all competitions so far this season--- with the last time they lost more games back in 1930/31.
Manchester United have been in a slump since the start of the season, although they are expected to build on last season's third-place finish. Ten Hag has been backed by a huge amount of money, but several of his signings have failed to impress.