Ten Hag Glad To Have Captain Fernandes Back Amid Injury Woes

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, will have captain Bruno Fernandes, and he hopes Jonny Evans back for Sunday’s clash at West Ham United, but the Dutchman expressed frustration that injuries are plaguing the team for a second consecutive season.

Ten Hag’s team currently sits in 12th place in the Premier League with 11 points from eight matches, but they are looking to build momentum following their 2-1 victory against Brentford last weekend.

Meanwhile, West Ham is in 15th place with eight points.

Both Fernandes and Evans were absent from Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Fenerbahce. United’s captain, Fernandes, was serving a one-match ban due to the red card he received against Porto, while Evans was sidelined after sustaining an injury during the match against Brentford.

“We have to be ready, it’s a short turnaround and we expect Bruno back, and hopefully also Jonny Evans,” Ten Hag told reporters.

Asked about the status of Antony after he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher on Thursday, Ten Hag said, “I don’t know.”

Ten Hag’s team are also still without injured Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire.

“Yeah, that holds us back in our levels, and also in our position in the league,” Ten Hag said on the injuries. “When you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team, and that is what’s holding us back in this moment.

“We need more players available often and then we have to work all together on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff we have to do better to get more available players because we know when we have them, we are a really tough team to play (against),” he added.

“When we have them, we can be successful, and that is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”

Ten Hag on Ugarte

Ten Hag hopes Manuel Ugarte can build on his solid night in Istanbul, the midfielder’s best performance for his new team since his 52 million pounds ($67.54 million) arrival in August.

“For sure, the sixth position is a key position in your team, and (Ugarte) has to learn this position in our game model. I think (Thursday) is a step forward, so I’m pleased with his performance, and from here on he has to build on it,” Ten Hag said.

“We have to stay patient but, as you see, if the quality in that position is not right, it’s very difficult for a team to control games, and then I don’t even speak about dominating games.

“So, that position needs one who brings the quality all the time, and we have to integrate him now in this team. I was pleased with his performance (against Fenerbahce), and from here on, he can build up.”