ERIK TEN HAG may have to sacrifice the Europa League and FA Cup in order to win the Carabao Cup and secure Champions League football this season.
If you had said to any Man Utd supporter in August, following back-to-back defeats to Brighton and then Brentford, that they would be in the top four and have one foot in the Carabao Cup Final, most would have laughed and bitten your hand off.
It’s crazy that a little over 10 days ago we were even discussing the possibility of a title challenge as well.
But a draw at Crystal Palace and defeat to high-flying Arsenal mean that is certainly not going to happen this season.
What is universally agreed amongst United supporters is just how well Ten Hag is doing given the numerous obstacles he has faced.
In this January window alone, he’s having to watch as most of his rivals for the top four are splashing the cash.
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And although Wout Weghorst is a welcome addition up-front, there’s so much more required in other areas.
United, traditionally, have done very little in the January window, but the gaps are significant.
On top of this, the manager has dealt with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation very well, along with the impending sale of the club and other disciplinary matters.
It’s the lack of squad depth that is the real issue, though.
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It makes you wonder, with United placed so nicely in the Premier League, if Ten Hag might be happy to sacrifice one of the FA Cup or Europa League.
It’s not something that he would ever publicly admit – and we’ve heard him say that “we must win every game” – but it’s simply not possible.
There’s no doubt Ten Hag’s United will try and win every game, but will the XI he puts out be capable of doing so?
United play eight times in February alone, which works out as a match every three and a half days.
People have pointed to the run United had in 1999 but they only faced six matches in February that year, and had a far superior squad.
So it’ll come down to fixture management.
Jurgen Klopp was a huge supporter of English football when he managed in Germany.
But, after joining Liverpool, he was alarmed at how much football was played over here during the winter period.
We watched him tinker sufficiently in earlier years, in a way the great Sir Alex Ferguson once did.
Hopefully Ten Hag doesn’t try to compete on too many levels – which could end with United missing out on a place in the Champions League and losing the Carabao Cup final.
Whatever happens, the signs are that United are on their way back.
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Hopefully the fans are smiling come May and not rueing a squad that was simply pushed too far.
Tom McDermott is the host of The Red Devils Podshow which you can subscribe or listen to here.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
