Erik ten Hag has a plethora of injury problems ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Red Devils could be without seven players for the Wembley encounter due to various knocks and niggles, while another United first-team member is set to miss out through suspension. But speaking on Friday ahead of the match, Ten Hag failed to give any update as his pre-match press conference came so soon after the Europa League loss against Sevilla.
"It is so short after the [final] whistle in Seville so I can’t give a comment on it," Ten Hag explained. “We didn’t train [yet], after training I will know more."
The Dutchman was also critical of his players, who he said fell well below the standards he set in the dreadful 3-0 loss to Sevilla. “It’s the truth, we have to do better and I know that,” he said.
“I have to teach the players that they [need to] do better in such circumstances and such occasions. We have to do better with such expectations because, as you said, the demands are on this team and because we are Manchester United, [they] are high and we have to deal with it, we have to improve it. I have to teach the players and the players have to step up."
Ten Hag will hope his players can cope with the highly pressurised environment of Wembley against a Brighton side who are continuing to impress under Roberto De Zerbi. Ahead of the semi-final, here’s a full breakdown of United’s injury and suspension list.
1. Tom Heaton
Out with an ankle injury that has prevented him playing since the recent international break.
2. Raphael Varane
Expected to miss a few more weeks with a knock.
3. Harry Maguire
Suspended for the match after picking two bookings so far in this season’s FA Cup.
4. Lisandro Martinez
Out for the season with a broken metatarsal he suffered in the first leg against Sevilla.