'Really doubtful': Erik ten Hag confirms double injury blow ahead of Sheffield United game
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided a mixed injury update ahead of the Premier League clash against Sheffield United on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils recently progressed to the FA Cup final, but their performance was far from convincing. They raced into a comfortable 3-0 lead against Coventry City before losing the plot.
The Sky Blues made a stunning comeback with three goals after the 70th minute. United struggled to find the winner in extra-time and required a penalty shoot-out to beat them in the end.
Ten Hag will want a better response from his players against the Blades tomorrow. Ahead of the game, the Dutchman has provided an injury update on four players including Bruno Fernandes.
The 54-year-old revealed that Alejandro Garnacho had a problem which led to his substitution on Sunday, but he should be fine.
Ten Hag also expects Fernandes to recover from a hand issue, but Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford are considered doubtful to face the Blades in tomorrow’s late kick-off at Old Trafford.
He told Manutd.com: “We had a problem with Alejandro Garnacho, that’s why we took him off during the game but I think he will be fine. Scott McTominay we have to assess today, really doubtful.”
“Marcus Rashford is also doubtful and there was also an issue with Bruno Fernandes with the hand but I think he can make it. We have some doubts going into the game tomorrow.”
United managed to qualify for the FA Cup final despite Coventry’s stellar comeback. Ten Hag has insisted that there was nothing embarrassing and the club still have the chance to win a trophy.
Despite this, he should be aware of the current defensive record of the club. They have been conceding plenty of goals and there needs to be an improvement over the final six league games.
United are currently 16 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with two games in hand. Champions League football looks unlikely, but they still need to work hard for Europa League qualification.
The Red Devils are seventh in the table behind Newcastle United on goal difference. They are only three points ahead of ninth-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand.
The club need to start picking up wins from tomorrow. If United fail to beat Sheffield at Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s position at the club could come under serious scrutiny.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com