Erik ten Hag defends Manchester United 'project' as he claims 'no team' could cope with club's injury problems

Erik ten Hag firmly defended his record at Manchester United, insisting no manager could successfully cope with the level of injury problems he has faced.

The Dutchman’s position at Old Trafford has come under increasing pressure after a frustrating campaign, with United sitting sixth in the table having already lost 11 Premier League matches this season.

The gap to Aston Villa in fourth is 11 points, with hopes of a successful season now seemingly resting on the FA Cup. United host Liverpool in the quarter-finals next weekend.

Ten Hag has bemoaned United’s injury list throughout the season, with his defensive options significantly depleted. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia are all currently unavailable.

Mason Mount has been a long-term absentee too, with in-form striker Rasmus Hojlund currently also on the sidelines. Ten Hag believes he is going to most out of his stretched squad.

“No team can deal with so many injuries,” Ten Hag said at his press conference on Friday.

“I think we played to maximum levels if you take in respect the availability of the players, we missed so many key players over the part of the season.

“The performances we have seen, when the players are available in January and February, the performances are very good.

He added: "The project is going in the right direction when we have the players available.”

Recent reports have suggested that Ten Hag’s future at United could be in doubt, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe considering potential replacements.

Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League match at home to Everton, it was put to Ten Hag that he has won 61 of his 100 matches in charge of the club. That it more than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Louis van Gaal managed at this stage, and one fewer than Jose Mourinho.

Ten Hag pointed to that as signs of progress, before once again blaming the injury list as he insisted the win-rate should be higher.

“It tells that we are in the right direction,” the United boss said.

“So imagine we had many more players available and not setbacks and injuries. Could easily have 75 wins and that tells the bright future of this team.

“When you compare it with other managers, other teams, or previous managers in this big club, you can see there is a bright future.”