Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided a reason for his side’s disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League this season.
The Red Devils lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday night to cap off a poor outing in Europe as they finished bottom of Group A with four points and lost four of their six group games.
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The Dutch manager, who is currently under immense pressure, said the numerous injuries his side has suffered this season played a vital part in their terrible display in the competition.
“So, why did this happen? I would say it’s a symbol today. We have to make subs and we’re losing players [Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw through injury] and we’re losing players who are very decisive for our game who can make the difference,” Ten Hag stated.
“And I think there was in many games also the case in this campaign that we not always had the players available who we wanted to play. That’s definitely a part.
“Now I give you a reason, but don’t see it as an excuse because even when we are not all on board, then we still have to win because that is the target of Manchester United.”
United conceded 15 goals in the Champions League this season, the most ever by a Premier League side in the group stage of the competition. They finished bottom of their group for just the second time ever and also lost two home group games for the second time in history.
The three-time Champions League winners are out of all European competitions this season, but Ten Hag believes his team still has a lot to play for this campaign.
“There’s still many things to play for. And now we can focus, of course, on the Premier Leaue” the former Ajax manager added.
“This is I think the level we want to play – Champions League. We have to give every effort in to be in the top four so next year we are back in the Champions League. And then of course, we have the FA Cup. So, there’s still many things to play for.”
United have now lost 12 of their 24 matches in all competitions, and they currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, six points adrift of Manchester City in fourth place.
They will travel to Merseyside this Sunday to take on league leaders Liverpool in a crucial encounter that can decide the fate of Ten Hag’s job at the club.
