Amidst Uncertainty, Erik ten Hag Admits Struggle in Formulating Manchester United's Finest Lineup

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, expressed his inability to consistently field his strongest starting lineup due to squad inconsistencies and injuries. Prior to their match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, the Dutchman voiced his concerns regarding the team's injury record, mentioning that currently up to nine key players are sidelined.

Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Sofyan Amrabat, and Mason Mount are sidelined with injuries, with Ten Hag also confirming that Harry Maguire will be unable to participate in this week's Champions League matches due to a "complaint." Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also been unavailable since the weekend. Jadon Sancho and Antony continue to be sidelined due to off-field issues.

"One thing is true, from the start of last season I don't think I ever started with, in my opinion, the best starting XI," Ten Hag said. "There was always injuries.

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Rasmus Hojlund has featured twice since joining Man Utd from Atalanta but is yet to find the net

"We have consistently achieved positive results in the past, except for the current period we are in. I have personally faced and successfully managed similar situations before. It is important that you address and handle the challenges that arise. I actually appreciate these kinds of situations because they require you to demonstrate your ability to navigate them and determine the appropriate course of action. The scrutiny on the United boss is already intense, and if his team experiences defeat against the six-time European champions in this highly anticipated match of the opening week, things could become even more uncomfortable."

United have suffered defeats in three out of their first five Premier League matches, which includes their recent 3-1 home loss to Brighton. "The medical team is handling the issues," he commented. "Injuries are an inherent part of top-level football due to the high intensity and competition involved."

Ten Hag's unwavering belief in their journey is what keeps him unaffected by the negativity surrounding United's upcoming Champions League match, the first in 18 months.

Kane: Teams in poor form can be dangerous

Harry Kane has already netted four goals in the Bundesliga, ensuring that Bayern is on par with leaders Bayern Leverkusen. However, he has emphasized caution in interpreting United's varying form. Having featured in five Champions League campaigns with Tottenham before joining Bayern, the striker asserts that underestimating United could prove perilous.

"They have recently faced a difficult period, but this can often make a team more formidable as they strive to bounce back," stated Kane, who was previously linked to Old Trafford, in his conversation with journalists.

"Playing on our home turf, we aim to dominate the game; however, we must also exercise caution regarding their potential danger."

"I don't think about form because every game can be different. There can be big response from teams going through a difficult spell."

Kane and co could heap more pressure on slow-starting Man Utd

Man Utd supporters will experience a sense of "here's what you could have won" as they watch Harry Kane confront their team wearing the Bayern Munich jersey on Wednesday. Acquiring a striker, specifically Erik ten Hag's top priority, was a major concern for United during the summer transfer window. However, financial constraints and Tottenham's reluctance to sell to a Premier League competitor created obstacles in their pursuit of the England captain.

Kane's current form poses a potential threat to Bayern Munich, exacerbating the early-season troubles faced by Ten Hag's team. Not only are their defensive and attacking statistics declining, but off-field complications are also increasing. With three losses out of their first five Premier League matches, concerns are rising about the team's performance. The defeat against Brighton at home has already served as a wake-up call, but if Bayern manages to inflict further damage, it could severely impact their morale and aspirations for the rest of the season.

Man Utd has been eagerly longing for a return to the Champions League after a season's absence. They firmly believe that this is where they truly belong. However, unless they make a substantial improvement against Kane and his teammates, Ten Hag's team may find themselves facing even more difficulties in Munich.