Ten Hag suggests Arsenal are luckier than Man Utd
The only time Man Utd had a full force, according to Ten Hag, was when they beat Man City 2-1 at Old Trafford in round 20 of the Premier League on January 14. In fact, Jadon Sancho was not registered to compete in this match. At Old Trafford that day, Jack Grealish opened the scoring, but the goals of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford helped the "Red Devils" win back.
"In other matches, Man Utd always have players suspended, injured or sick," Ten Hag said on March 15 at a press conference in Sevilla before the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 at Betis Stadium. . "So we have to deal with this properly. And I see Arsenal almost always having a completely ready squad."
At yesterday's press conference, the Dutch coach confirmed Alejandro Garnacho had to miss "several weeks" after a collision with Kyle Walker-Peters in the 0-0 draw with Southampton in the 27th round of the Premier League over the weekend. After the match, the Argentine striker was on crutches and had to immobilize his right leg.
Antony is sick and Anthony Martial is not in the best shape nor is he going to Spain, while Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are still on long-term leave. However, Man Utd today welcomes Marcel Sabitzer and Victor Lindelof back, and Casemiro is ready to play today due to a four-match suspension in domestic leagues.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have just welcomed striker Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe after a long absence due to injury. The only significant injury cases of the Emirates stadium owner are Eddie Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny.
Acknowledging that there is still a gap between Man Utd and the top clubs, Ten Hag thinks that the Premier League can have seven championship teams. The Dutch coach did not specifically disclose these seven clubs, but emphasized that these are teams with the same ambition.
"The Premier League is tougher than ever. It's no longer a two-horse race, it's five, six or seven teams competing," he said. "Man Utd can win the title, but there are still steps to be taken. Man Utd has improved, but there is still a gap with the top clubs, and we cannot quickly close that gap."
Old Trafford owners still have the opportunity to eat this season. They won the League Cup, finished third in the Premier League, beat Betis 4-1 in the first leg of the 1/8 round of the Europa League and will take on Fulham in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on March 19.
When asked about the possibility of Man Utd going unbeaten for the rest of the season, Ten Hag replied: "We have the ability to do it, but the team can't think too far and have to focus on each game."
