Erik ten Hag issues ‘too much’ verdict on Man Utd injuries but confirms triple boost for Crystal Palace

Erik ten Hag has issued an injury update ahead of Manchester United’s home clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Red Devils have already played Palace once this week, with a rotated starting XI making easy work of the Eagles in the Carabao Cup earlier this week, winning 3-0. The teams will play again at Old Trafford on Saturday, this time in the Premier League, and Ten Hag will be looking for a similar performance, especially with a stronger starting lineup.

Although, United are still dealing with a number of injury issues after a less than ideal start to the season, both in terms of results and injuries.

And there was a fresh blow confirmed by the club on Friday, with Lisandro Martinez ruled out for an ‘extended period’ despite initial beliefs that the injury was not too serious.

Speaking about the mounting injuries, Ten Hag said in his pre-match press conference: “We already did, we already expanded the squad this season because we make the reason clear. We had a World Cup in the middle of the season, we had a longer season, we had to play a longer season as well, with FA Cup.

“A shorter break. Every time the schedule is expanding, the load on the players is too much, it’s such a great overload. Many colleagues of mine have pointed to that and I have pointed to that as well. But it keeps going. We keep expanding the schedule. Anywhere, it won’t stop. Players can’t deal anymore with this overload and I think that’s what you say in this squad at the moment.”

In better news, Ten Hag has confirmed that Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are fit and ready to face Palace on Saturday. He added: “We have seen some players back on Tuesday and for tomorrow are back players out of the squad on Tuesday: Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen. They are back.”

United are also welcoming back Antony after the winger’s period of leave following allegations of assault but he will not play just yet, with Ten hag saying: “On Saturday, he will be back in training, so tomorrow. I have to see, but I think, yeah [he’s fit].”