by Erik ten Hag believes that Manchester United’s challenging 2023–24 campaign was mostly caused by their lack of depth.
Manchester United, in Erik ten Hag’s opinion, lacks depth “with other top clubs in the Premier League.”.
The Dutchman’s injury-plagued team had its lowest-ever Premier League finish last year, coming in at number eight.
Nevertheless, after defeating rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final, the Red Devils were able to guarantee themselves a spot in Europe for the 2024–25 season.
Ten Hag, who admitted that United is still a work in progress, recently extended his contract with the team until 2026. Ten Hag had been strongly linked with leaving Old Trafford.
“Last season, we frequently experienced injuries to players in the same positions—all at the back. We had nearly no defenders available at one point, he said to the Algemeen Dagblad, a Dutch newspaper.
“United had not won a trophy in six years when we came here, and it wasn’t for lack of competent managers.
“It does offer some understanding of the composition and standard of the playing population. Naturally, I was aware of that when I first started, but these were players with long-term contracts.
“We were and still are engaged in that construction process. Our team is undoubtedly a little shallower when compared to other elite Premier League clubs. We found it quite challenging to manage those injuries for just that reason.”
Ten Hag also thought back to the FA Cup final matchup between United and City, which, had United lost, was largely seen as the Dutchman’s last game.
For now, though, the 54-year-old is unconcerned about losing his job.
“It simply takes strength to keep the team focused and motivated every time; let’s face it, you lose too many games,” he said. “People around you and the players themselves are disappointed.
“Even though there was a lot going on at the moment, I was still really certain that we could win the championship. Above all, it was crucial that I communicate that conviction to my group. I had to exercise caution to prevent the atmosphere from turning sour beforehand.
“If United’s management finds someone tomorrow that they think is better, I’ll leave. That’s how easy it is. In football, those are the mechanics you have to honor. It’s really obvious at a club like this: if you don’t win, you have a problem.”
