By Willow Austin
Published on 2024-05-25 06:25:01
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared his support for Erik ten Hag’s claim that injury was the major reason behind Manchester United poor performances this season.
The City boss will once again face Erik ten Hag’s side in the Emirate FA Cup final on Saturday. Man City have defeated the Red Devils twice this season, and a victory on Saturdays will make it three straight wins for the Sky Blues.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag linked their poor performance to the numerous injuries affecting his players and how he was forced to play players out of their natural positions.
Pep Guardiola agreed with the Manchester United boss, insisting that he will also struggle if he was in his position. He explained in a big club like Man United winning is a must because the coach will be in trouble if fails to get the desire results.
“In big clubs like United and City, when you don’t win, you’re always in trouble,” said Guardiola via the Mirror “I would be in trouble if we didn’t win. He has done many good things.
“I have huge respect for his job in the past and now at United. I completely agree when he says they’ve not had a full squad this season and had a lot of injuries.”
There are reports that Erik ten Hag will be sacked after the FA Cup final. Pep urged the decision makers at United to think about the injury crisis, which made the majority of the players unavailable for use for Ten Hag.
“I think this is the most important thing they have to think about, because I’m always focused ton the fact we have to be fit, fit, fit – otherwise we cannot use the players.
“They [United] have had a lot of problems and, when that happens, the manager suffers a lot. The squad is really good, but the problem is when you cannot use them. This is a big disadvantage.”
