Manager Erik ten Hag expressed his confidence ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea, emphasising Chelsea’s ability to beat any team, despite their position in the Premier League table.
Currently in sixth place, United are looking for a crucial win at Stamford Bridge to move closer to Champions League qualification. In December, United managed a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford, with two goals scored by Scott McTominay, demonstrating their ability to overcome challenges.
“It’s a difficult competition, very tight and it also has a lot to do with the players who are available or not“, Ten Hag told reporters: “When you’re on the right side of the line you can have a successful season, but when you’re on the wrong side you can have a much more difficult season. As for the rest, they (Chelsea) have a fantastic team, fantastic players and they play very good football, they can beat anyone and they’ve shown it in this league.”
Manchester United faced a double setback with the injuries to defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, both facing a period of at least a month out due to muscular problems. With these defensive problems, the return to training of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans is a comforting sight for the Dutch coach.
Frenchman Varane was replaced by Harry Maguire in the 46th minute during the 1-1 draw with Brentford last Saturday. Meanwhile, Northern Irishman Evans has sat out United’s last two games.
“There are no more problems, we don’t need them”, said Ten Hag: “The front line and midfield are fine, in defence we’re short of options. But the good thing is that this afternoon Varane and Evans are back, Maguire returned to training yesterday.”
The manager said that United will deal with the increase in muscular problems, with injuries worrying many clubs.
“You can’t avoid problems, the standards in the Premier League are very high. The overload on the calendar and international football is enormous. We have all the internationals in our squad. Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle have problems, especially in the defence department.”
