Manchester United is currently grappling with a significant injury crisis as nine of their key players are sidelined due to various injuries just before the FIFA Days in October. This has raised concerns within the club, prompting them to evaluate the situation seriously and seek solutions to mitigate these ongoing challenges for the rest of the season.
A Prolonged Recovery Period: According to the Director of Football, John Murtough, Manchester United will need at least two more months to field their strongest lineup, provided there are no further injuries. The club is dealing with six long-term injuries, including Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo. Additionally, three players, Sergio Reguillon, Raphael Varane, and Mason Mount, have missed several matches.
The Evaluation Process: Murtough acknowledged that a total of 16 first-team players have suffered various injuries from the beginning of the season until now. This equals two-thirds of the squad, leaving Erik ten Hag struggling to field his strongest lineup. While some players have returned sooner than expected, such as newcomers Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount, the club is now seriously assessing the root causes of the unusually high number of injuries.
The Role of Fixture Congestion: One factor highlighted in the evaluation is the heavy fixture schedule, which includes international tournaments like the World Cup 2022. Some injuries, such as those sustained by Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo, resulted from direct on-field collisions, which are deemed part of the game. However, the majority of injuries appear to be more passive in nature.
The Way Forward: Manchester United has recognized the urgency of addressing the ongoing injury crisis and is actively seeking ways to prevent a recurrence in the future. The club has already bolstered its medical staff by bringing in Gary O’Driscoll, a former head of medical services at Arsenal. The club acknowledges that injuries are an inherent part of high-level football but is committed to finding the optimal lineup during this challenging period.
Erik ten Hag’s Concerns: Erik ten Hag, the manager, shares the club’s concerns regarding the growing list of injuries. While he remains composed in front of the media, it is evident that he is disappointed with the situation. The relentless demand on players due to the congested fixture schedule has taken a toll on the squad. Ten Hag is eager to find a solution and optimize the available players as quickly as possible.
The injury crisis at Manchester United is a grave concern for the club, as the team strives to regain its top form and compete at the highest level. While the club is actively addressing the issue, it faces a challenging period with a long list of injured players. The congested fixture schedule and the upcoming World Cup in 2022 are factors contributing to the injury crisis, making it essential for the club to find a balanced approach and a healthy, competitive squad to navigate the season effectively.
