Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says injuries are "holding back" his side but when those absentees return they can be "really successful".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man Utd had poor start to seasonTen Hag says injuries "holding them back"Red Devils without seven for West Ham Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of facing West Ham on Sunday, United are without defenders Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, as well as midfielders Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo due to injury. Now, Ten Hag believes the fitness issues are a big factor in why the Red Devils have had an underwhelming start to the season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

He told reporters: "Injuries hold us back in our levels – and also in our position in the league. Because when you don't have the players available, you can't line up the best team. We need more players, often available – and we have to work all together on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We know when we have them we are a really tough team to play and we can be really successful. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The sheer number of injuries United suffered last season, along with winning the FA Cup, ultimately saved Ten Hag's United job earlier this year. But all teams suffer such setbacks and the top teams will be able to navigate their way through those choppy waters to be successful. And after spending £200 million on players this summer, Ten Hag's injury excuse may be wearing thin – particularly as they are in the bottom half of the Premier League and are yet to win in the Europa League this term.

AFPWHAT NEXT?

Ten Hag's United team will hope to secure a second-straight Premier League win when they travel to West Ham on Sunday afternoon. They then round off October with a home clash against Leicester City in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.