Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is “never” able to select his strongest XI because of squad inconsistencies and injuries.
Speaking ahead of United’s trip to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday, the Dutchman explained he was concerned by his squad’s injury record, with up to 12 first-team players currently sidelined.Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount are among those on the injured list, with Ten Hag also confirming Harry Maguire will miss this week’s Champions League commitments with a “complaint”. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been lost since the weekend.
Of United’s 21-man travelling squad, four are goalkeepers, while Ten Hag has only been able to name five defenders
“One thing is true, from the start of last season I don’t think I ever started with, in my opinion, the best starting XI,” Ten Hag said. “There was always injuries.
“We always got results apart from the period we are in now. I have experienced it in the past and managed it. You have to deal with it. I like these situations because you have to handle it and know what to do, and that is focusing on the process.”
