Erik ten Hag has offered a candid and sobering assessment of Manchester United’s readiness ahead of their 2024/25 Premier League opener against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Red Devils are set to kick off their campaign, but Ten Hag has made it clear that his squad is far from fully prepared. The Dutch manager cited several challenges that have complicated the team’s pre-season, including the staggered return of players from international duties and the integration of new signings who have had limited time to train with the team.
In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag was forthright about the difficulties he has faced in assembling a cohesive squad. The late return of players who participated in international tournaments such as the Euros and Copa America has disrupted the team’s preparation, leading to a situation where some key players are not yet fully integrated. Additionally, new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have had only a few training sessions with the team, adding another layer of complexity to United’s pre-season challenges.
Manchester United Manager,Ten Hag’s Candid Assessment Ahead of Fulham Clash
“The team is not ready. But the league starts. We can’t hide from it. We have to deal with it,” Ten Hag admitted, highlighting the reality that while the squad may not be in peak condition, the demands of the Premier League wait for no one. This blunt assessment reflects the challenges many top clubs face when managing a squad filled with international stars, each returning at different times and requiring varying degrees of reintegration.
Despite these obstacles,He confirmed that both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui would be included in the matchday squad for the Fulham clash. This decision suggests that Ten Hag is willing to take risks with his new arrivals, even though they have had limited time to adapt to the team’s playing style and strategies. The inclusion of these new signings could be seen as a necessary gamble, given the circumstances, but also underscores the precarious situation United finds itself in—having to rely on players who are not yet fully integrated into the squad.
“We have a good group, we can make a strong selection and we can put out a strong team and we will do. They will be in the squad and Harry Maguire will be in the squad as well,” Ten Hag stated, emphasizing that the focus must remain on the players who are available rather than those who are not. The inclusion of Harry Maguire, who has faced his own set of challenges over the past season, indicates that Ten Hag is determined to utilize every available resource to field a competitive team.
One of the key talking points ahead of the match is the role of Noussair Mazraoui, the versatile Moroccan defender who joined Manchester United this summer. Ten Hag praised Mazraoui’s ability to handle the high-pressure environment of English football, noting that it is difficult to put him under pressure—a crucial attribute in the Premier League, where the pace and intensity are relentless. Ten Hag also highlighted Mazraoui’s versatility, particularly his ability to play multiple roles within the defensive line, including on the left side where United currently faces several injuries. “We can sort problems on the left side, with, for instance, Licha Martinez and Diogo Dalot is capable of playing there. Noussair can also fill the position,” Ten Hag noted, suggesting that Mazraoui’s flexibility could be a significant asset for the team as they navigate these early season challenges.
While Ten Hag’s comments may have dampened some of the pre-season optimism, they also reflect the reality of top-level football. The Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint, and while the starting point may not be ideal, there is a long season ahead for Manchester United to find their form and rhythm. Fulham, who will be eager to impress in their home opener, pose a serious challenge for United. The Cottagers have been known to cause upsets, and with United not at full strength, this match could be more competitive than it might appear on paper. However, Ten Hag’s determination to field a strong side, despite the challenges, indicates that United will be ready to fight for all three points.
As the season progresses, the hope will be that United’s squad can gel quickly and that the likes of De Ligt, Mazraoui, and other new arrivals can make a significant impact. The Premier League is unforgiving, and every match counts, especially in the early stages where momentum can set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Erik ten Hag’s candid admission that Manchester United is not fully ready for the new season is a reminder of the complexities of managing a top-tier football club. The challenges posed by late player arrivals and the integration of new signings have made pre-season preparation difficult. However, with key players like Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Harry Maguire available, Ten Hag is determined to field a competitive side against Fulham. As the Premier League season kicks off, all eyes will be on how United navigates these early challenges and whether they can lay the groundwork for a successful campaign.
