is not accepting criticism of his intense training regime, blaming an extremely busy schedule for ’s injury woes this season.
Like numerous teams in the the Red Devils have been dealing with a string of injuries this season, not helping them in their search for their best form.
, making it difficult for them early in the season rather than having the desired positive effect.
However, Ten Hag points to the fact that his side played more games than any other team in Europe last season – 62 – and the schedule is hardly relaxed during this campaign.
‘Last year we played the most games across Europe,’ he said. ‘Last year was also a weird year with a in the middle of the season. Every manager is complaining about the schedule and I have heard ’s statements.
‘But each year they keep adding games to the schedule. Next year they will add two more games and we’ve already achieved the limits and even gone across the limits that players can handle.
‘In the first 12 Premier League games the physical standards have been even higher in comparison to last year. You have choices to make. Either you match it by training and preparation – or you drop off.
’That is a decision that every club has to make, every team has to make, and every individual has to make. You have to do it smart. Every team knows you have to suffer and sacrifice.
‘If you want to prepare for games then, at certain right moments, you have to go to certain physical levels. If you want to match those standards – and those standards are not set by us but by the opposition.’
Manchester United’s next game sees them go to Everton on Sunday in the 4.30pm kick-off in the Premier League.
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