Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes a more stable team would lead to a winning run. Still, he faces a significant challenge as key players Lisandro Martínez and Casemiro are not expected to return before Christmas due to injuries.
Martínez has been sidelined with a foot injury since late September, while Casemiro suffered a hamstring problem during the Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle last week. Their absences add to a growing list of players injured or unavailable for other reasons.
Ten Hag emphasised the importance of a settled team for consistent results, stating, “Once you get more stability, you have a better chance to go on a run.” He praised the team’s upbeat atmosphere and spirit but acknowledged the need for a more consistent starting lineup.
Ten Hag provided an update on the injured players, including Luke Shaw, who is out with a muscle problem. He stated, “I have some time schedules, but it’s always difficult to predict that because they can get setbacks during the rehab period. Casemiro and Martínez – I don’t expect them back before Christmas.”
United’s upcoming Champions League match against Copenhagen could be crucial for their qualification hopes. A victory would solidify their position in the group, keeping them within striking distance of the top two teams.
Ten Hag also commented on the development of young striker Rasmus Højlund, who has scored three times in the Champions League but is yet to find the net in the Premier League. Ten Hag believes that Højlund, like other players, would benefit from a more settled team.
Meanwhile, Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup claimed that the atmosphere at their home ground will be more intense than what United faced in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford. However, United midfielder Christian Eriksen dismissed this claim, suggesting that Copenhagen might be overstating the intensity.
In a separate development, the FA has decided not to take any action against Alejandro Garnacho following an investigation into a social media post that featured an image of goalkeeper André Onana and teammates celebrating a late penalty save against Copenhagen with two gorilla emojis. Garnacho’s explanation and the context of the post were deemed sufficient by the FA.