In the build-up to Manchester United’s Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, manager Erik ten Hag delivered a major blow to fans during a press conference on Friday.
The Dutchman confirmed that two key players, Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martinez, will be unavailable for the match at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United started their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on a high note with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at home.
The match saw new signing Joshua Zirkzee mark his debut in spectacular fashion, scoring the decisive goal in the 87th minute to secure all three points for the Red Devils.
Zirkzee’s late strike sent the Old Trafford faithful into raptures, raising expectations for the upcoming fixtures. However, the celebrations have been short-lived.
In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag revealed that both Zirkzee and Martinez will be sidelined for the Brighton clash. “Zirkzee and Martinez won’t be available for selection against Brighton on Saturday,” he told reporters.
“They won’t be out for a long time, but just some discomfort. We don’t want to take any chances as we are trying to manage this season’s injury crisis.”
The news comes as a significant setback for Manchester United, who are already dealing with a mounting injury list. Martinez, a key figure in United’s defense, and Zirkzee, the new attacking sensation, are both pivotal to Ten Hag’s plans this season.
Their absence will be keenly felt, especially with Brighton known for their dynamic and high-pressing style of play.
Ten Hag’s cautious approach to managing injuries is understandable given the grueling schedule that lies ahead. “We have to take necessary action despite this significant setback,” he added, stressing the importance of avoiding further complications.
The manager’s words, however, have done little to ease the concerns of the fans, who are already voicing their frustrations on social media.
Brighton, who have shown themselves to be a formidable opponent in recent seasons, will undoubtedly look to capitalize on United’s weakened lineup.
With Zirkzee and Martinez out, United’s depth and resilience will be tested in what promises to be a challenging encounter.
The pressure is now on Ten Hag to find solutions and keep United’s momentum going despite this early-season adversity.
Fans will be hoping that the rest of the squad can step up and deliver a performance that can help them overcome this latest hurdle.
