Erik ten Hag reveals what is really 'holding' Manchester United back

Erik ten Hag has claimed injuries are “holding back” his side ahead of Manchester United’s trip to West Ham.

United have been without a recognised left-back all season, as well as new signing Leny Yoro, while Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount all missed Thursday’s 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce.

Antony also went down with an injury in the game just 12 minutes after coming on for Marcus Rashford, and had to be replaced by Amad Diallo, and his manager believes it is the main reason for his side’s poor start to the season, which has seen them win just four of 13 games in all all competitions.

"That holds us back in our levels, and also in our position in the league because when you don't have the players available you can't line up the best team," Ten Hag said of their issues.

"That is what's holding us back in this moment. We need more players often available, and we have to work all together on this point - and that is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff.

"We have to do better to get more available players because we know when we have them we are a really tough team to play."And when we have them, we can be really successful. That is what we have shown over the last couple of months."

The United manager also cited injuries as a reason for his side’s 8th placed finish last season.

United currently sit even lower than that, in 12th, ahead of their clash with fellow underperformers West Ham.