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Erik ten Hag has no midfield concerns at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has no midfield concerns at Manchester United
© Reuters
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag plays down suggestions that there is a midfield issue at the club this season.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has played down suggestions that there is a midfield issue at the club in the early stages of this season.

The Red Devils were fortunate to win their Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14, with the home side surviving a host of pressure before ultimately managing to secure all three points courtesy of a late header from Raphael Varane.

Casemiro was left isolated against Wolves, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount pushing further forward, while there were similar problems on display in the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Christian Eriksen was introduced in the second period, which saw Fernandes move to the right, but Spurs continued to dominate in the middle.

Fred has left Old Trafford this summer, but Scott McTominay is still at the club despite some speculation surrounding his future during the current transfer window.

Mason Mount in action for Manchester United on August 5, 2023© Reuters

Ten Hag is believed to be desperate to add another player in that area of the field before the end of the market, with Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat said to be the leading target.

However, due to the rules surrounding Financial Fair Play, the 20-time English champions will need to make some sales before being able to further add to their squad.

Ten Hag was asked about the midfield issues during his press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

However, the Dutchman insisted that the problems developed from "the back and the front", which contributed to the team's openness in their first two games.

Tottenham Hotspur's Pape Sarr celebrates scoring against Manchester United on August 19, 2023© Reuters

"You always have to analyse clinically and that assessment is not right," Ten Hag told reporters. "It was about the back and the front, not about the midfield. That is why we were open. Nothing to do with the midfield. I said that straight after the game.

"I have no doubts [about our fitness]. They can do it. After 35 minutes against Spurs, they didn't do it anymore but after the first game we were first across the rank of fitness."

Meanwhile, when quizzed on Casemiro's fitness, the head coach added: "Oh, if you see the numbers, you see he's fully fit."

Amrabat is not currently being used by Fiorentina, while it is believed that Liverpool have pulled out of the race for the Morocco international, seemingly giving Man United a free run at a player who could cost between £25m and £30m.

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CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
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3Liverpool382410486414582
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5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
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15Everton38139164051-1140
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17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


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