Erik ten Hag has hit back at Wayne Rooney’s claim that some of Manchester United’s injured stars are fit enough to play.
The ex-Manchester United forward made his staggering assertion after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal.
Ten Hag’s squad has been decimated with injuries, with Casemiro occupying a central defensive role in the absence of three centre-backs.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and forward Marcus Rashford were also among those to miss Sunday’s clash which led to Rooney questioning whether members of the squad were suffering injuries deemed severe enough to miss the match.
The 38-year-old hinted that players were holding themselves back to avoid being culpable for United’s torrid run of form.
“As we look at the injuries they’ve picked up, some of those players can play. 100 per cent,” Rooney told Sky Sports.
“It’s easy, you’ve got European Championships coming up, you’ve got FA Cup final coming up – because they’re getting a little bit of stick now. It’s easy for players to stay out of it a little bit and then come back towards the final and get themselves ready for the European Championships.
“I’ve seen it myself over the years so I just think the players who are being injured they’re not filling themselves with any credit at the minute and the manager’s going to take all the stick for that.”
In response to Rooney’s claim, Ten Hag jumped to the defence of his wounded stars and lifted the lid on their efforts to make themselves available to face Arsenal.
“You have to see here in Carrington, the players are desperate to play,” Ten Hag told his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash at home to Newcastle, live on talkSPORT.
“If I see Licha [Lisandro] Martinez, if I see Bruno who did a fitness test on Sunday to play.
“Rashford did everything he could do. He tried to train last week, but he didn’t make it.
“So players are desperate to play and they want to be in the right shape. Also, Victor Lidelof, Rafa Varane – they are training to make themselves available for the final. So, they do what they can do.”
The Dutchman told reporters about the importance of remaining calm in the face of a growing injury list and the club’s poor results which has sparked speculation over his long-term future as manager.
“I can’t feel like this, I can’t express this because it will lower the fight in my team,” he added. “We have faced a lot of problems but I am always positive. I do it with the players available, we make the best team, we motivate them.
“The morale every time is very good. You saw an example of it on Sunday. I will inspire the team and keep fighting.”
News Summary:
- Ten Hag hits back at Rooney claims on injured Man United stars in passionate defence of players
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