Manchester United have launched an investigation into the unprecedented injury crisis Erik ten Hag has suffered in his second season as manager, according to reports. The Red Devils are attempting to unearth the root of the problem that has contributed to a disastrous start to the campaign.
At least 16 of Ten Hag’s players have been unavailable for a period of the opening 11 games through injury, illness or off-field issues.
The Dutchman has come under pressure, having already overseen six defeats, including three at home, more than throughout his first season.
But he has been hit by a wave of injury problems impacting key stars, including new signings Sergio Reguilon, Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.
Ten Hag hasn’t been able to select his full-strength side once so far this term, heavily contributing to his struggles picking up results. Now, United have taken action.
According to the Mail, United are investigating why so many senior stars have been sidelined so early in the season.
The Old Trafford giants hope to discover trends that have led to the barrage of problems so they can improve injury prevention in the future.
A number of injuries have been muscle-related, potentially indicating the long 2022/23 season has taken a toll on Ten Hag’s squad.
United played a staggering 62 games as they won the Carabao Cup, reached the FA Cup final and played a knockout play-off on their path to the Europa League quarter-finals.
Ten Hag’s side played 41 games between December 21 and the end of the season after the winter World Cup in Qatar – also a likely culprit.
The report adds that club staff have noted that Manchester City have suffered similar problems after playing more games than any Premier League club last term.
The addition of Gary O’Driscoll as head of sports medicine is expected to bolster United’s medical department, poaching him from Arsenal after spending 14 years at the Gunners.
A club statement read: “The sports medicine department at Carrington is responsible for providing medical services, physical therapy and rehabilitation for hundreds of players, spanning from the men’s and women’s first teams to the full range of age groups in our boys’ and girls’ academies.”
O’Driscoll arrived at Old Trafford before the injury crisis kicked in, but there is hope he will boost the club’s conditioning for years to come as part of a club-wide overhaul.
