Reports suggest that Manchester United players have expressed worries about a specific demand from Erik ten Hag.
Following a challenging 3-1 loss to local rivals Manchester City, United find themselves regrouping.
Although Marcus Rashford initially put them ahead with an impressive goal, Phil Foden’s second-half brace, along with a goal from Erling Haaland, secured victory for City.
In the aftermath of this defeat, the Manchester Evening News has revealed that a segment of United’s players harbor concerns regarding the rigorous demands set by Ten Hag.
According to the publication, some players feel that the intensity of these demands is excessive, especially considering United’s extensive 62-game season last year.
This workload is believed by certain individuals to have contributed to the club’s significant injury toll, with United experiencing 47 separate instances of injury and illness resulting in player absences from games.
Nine players were missing during the Manchester derby defeat on Sunday. Only Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho have managed to avoid injury layoffs this season.
Ten Hag acknowledged that both Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford were forced to withdraw from the game against City.
The Dutchman said: “I had to take them both off. They fought to be part of this game but after 60 or 70 minutes we had to take them off and sub them.
“We’re working on players returning and I think players will return in the coming weeks, especially after the international break.
“Hopefully Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford are not too bad, that they recover and we can use them in the next game against Everton.”
Last week, Ten Hag granted United players a break on Monday and Friday, following their FA Cup fifth-round match against Nottingham Forest, which took place just four days before the derby.
United had a busy February schedule, playing six games, but they had the luxury of a free midweek with each Premier League fixture.
