In a press conference ahead of Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton, Erik ten Hag has revealed that four first-team players who were available for the recent game against Liverpool will not feature at St. Mary’s Stadium.
According to the Dutch manager, some of the senior stars have been ruled out due to a combination of personal reasons and injuries.
This news comes as a significant blow to United, as the club continues to grapple with inconsistent form early in the season.
“We are still in a transition period but NO excuses,” ten Hag emphasized.
“We have to win every game, and with my new starting lineup, I know we will win. I know that.
The team knows that and it doesn’t matter who is available. We will focus on every game and approach it with the mindset that we have to win.”
The specific names of the players who will be missing the Southampton game have not been officially disclosed, but reports suggest that these are key figures in the squad.
Sources close to the club indicate that at least two of the absentees are dealing with injuries sustained in training this week, while the others are unavailable due to personal circumstances.
Ten Hag’s assertive stance has drawn mixed reactions from fans, many of whom are already frustrated with Manchester United’s rocky start to the season.
Following a crushing defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford, the pressure has mounted on the manager to deliver better results.
Despite injuries and absences, ten Hag remains firm in his belief that the squad is strong enough to secure three points against Southampton.
However, some sections of the United fanbase are not convinced.
“Ten Hag is an absolute joke with this lineup,” said one disgruntled supporter. “We should just forget about the three points. We are doomed.”
As Manchester United prepares for the trip to the south coast, the absence of key players could further complicate their bid to get back on track in the Premier League.
All eyes will be on the manager’s tactical choices and how his new lineup performs in a crucial game that may have significant implications for their season ahead.
