Erik Ten Hag responds to Rooney’s criticism of injured Manchester United players

Coach Erik Ten Hag responded this Tuesday to criticism made by former player Wayne Rooney about Manchester United athletes hiding behind injuries. The speech came at a pre-game press conference against Newcastle in the 34th round of the English Championship, which was delayed. The ball will roll this Wednesday, at 4pm (Brasília time), at Old Trafford.

“You have to see here at Carrington that the players are desperate to play,” said the Dutchman.

“Bruno (Fernandes) had a fitness test on Sunday to play and Rashford did everything he could. The players are desperate to play. Lindelof and Varane are training to be available for the final. They do what they can do,” he concluded .

Our final home matchday of the season 🏟️💪#MUFC || #MUNNEW pic.twitter.com/zkrR5Peuqf

—Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2024

United’s injury list is extensive. In total, ten players are injured: Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.

Manchester United are not having a good time this season and have won just one of their last nine games. Because of this, Wayne Rooney stated that some players could be playing and are hiding behind injuries.

“When we look at the injuries they’ve picked up, some of these players can play, 100 percent,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports. “The injured players are not receiving any criticism currently. The coach will take all the blame for this,” he concluded.

Manchester United occupies eighth place in the English Championship, with 54 points, and has no chance of qualifying for European competitions.

However, the Red Devils are still preparing to play in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. The decision will be made on the 25th, at 11am (Brasília time), at Wembley.