‘I see the stats’ - Manchester United make ‘bizarre’ injury excuse for failing to pull clear of Newcastle

Erik ten Hag has highlighted having no left-footed centre-backs as the reason for Manchester United’s failings this season.

The Red Devils and Newcastle United are embroiled in a race for Europa League football - with both clubs set to do battle at Old Trafford on May 15. Eddie Howe’s side already boast two wins over Man United in the Premier League and FA Cup this season.

A year ago, Ten Hag’s men were flying, having just beaten Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final and on course for a Champions League finish. The Dutchman was praised for lifting a dark cloud over the Theatre of Dreams and laying the foundations for future success.

However, Man United have reverted to type in 2023-24, crashing out of Europe at the group stage while sliding down the table. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as minority owner has plunged Ten Hag’s position into doubt, with the Red Devils also raiding Newcastle for sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The Man United boss bemoaned injuries - namely to Lisandro Martinez - as the root of their problems this season. For context, they sit one point above Newcastle, their rivals for Europa League qualification, despite the Magpies suffering more lost days (1,658) than any other Premier League club. 

"I see the stats and it's clear,” he said. “Last season, we had the consistent back four, we did the same and we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League. So when everyone is fit, they can deliver the way we want to defend, but it also has something to do with the possession.

“When you don't have the players at the back and the patterns, when you don't have the left-footed players on the left side, you already have to make your adjustments. It changes your way of play, but also your possession and when you have less possession, you also have more shots.

“There are some reasons for why this happens, but I don't think it has anything to do with the way we want to play because that proves it (last season), where we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League.”