Erik ten Hag expresses concern about Harry Maguire as he reacts to Manchester United's defensive problems.
The injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have created an opportunity for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to prove their worth to Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag has cautions Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof that they must be ready to respond to Manchester United's SOS - or else.
With first-choice central defenders Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both injured, Maguire and Lindelof will start against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Ten Hag stated that he will not accept excuses from players for not being ready to start, and that they should not be at United if that is the case. "Every game is a battle, every game is a fight, and you must be prepared for that fight," Ten Hag said.
"We have a squad - more than 11 starters - so now others are on, and when their time comes, you have to show and contribute to the team, and you have to be ready." That is exactly what we anticipate and demand.
"If you're looking for excuses, or if you want to find excuses, you should look for another club." When the opportunity arises, you must contribute, and this is what we expect. We need to adapt in the squad, and we need to use the squad, as we did against Sevilla.
"Winning games requires a tactical approach. We have good players, but due to injuries and suspensions, we must adjust to the squad."
Even after that warning and their lack of playing time this season, Ten Hag expressed confidence in Maguire and Lindelof, who formed a regular center-back partnership under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. When asked how much faith he had in them, Ten Hag replied, "A lot." They are capable center-halves, as they have demonstrated in the past. We have four or five very good center-halves this season who can do the job.
"Harry performed very well against Everton, very well against Sevilla, and it's up to him in the coming games." But we must keep in mind that he is suspended for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton."
When asked if United's injury crisis was easing, with players returning to the squad tomorrow, Ten Hag replied, "For Sunday? Yes, it is possible. But we'll have to wait and see. We still have two sessions left, so I'm not sure, but Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw could return to the squad. But I'm not certain."
United have played 50 games this season, while Forest have only played 37, but Ten Hag believes this is an advantage for United Play every few days rather than once a week. "I also see an advantage, more games means more routines," Ten Hag said.
"We like to play because it gives us energy, so I believe there are many benefits." We want to compete for silverware, and we need to be energetic if we are to have a successful season."
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