Chris Sutton claims Erik ten Hag is just ‘jealous’ of Arsenal after he bemoaned Manchester United’s injury record this campaign.
Shortly before the international break, Ten Hag aimed a dig at the the North London club, suggesting they had been lucky with injuries, especially in comparison to his own team.
‘Only in one game could I say, ok I can pick my team, also from a tactical approach, that was perfect. That was against Man City at home. And that was the only time in this season,’ the Dutchman said.
‘In other times, in every game, it was one player suspended, one player is injured or [has] illness, so we have to deal with it well but of course you hope, like I see with Arsenal, that they almost have all the time their squad available.’
It was bizarre swipe from the United manager and one that isn’t quite true given that Arsenal have themselves suffered from injury blows during their title push, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson having extended stays on the sidelines.
According to Planet Football, Manchester United have only the seventh worst injury record in the Premier League, with players missing a combined 106 matches through fitness issues, while Arsenal are ranked 14th with 79.
Liverpool currently have the worst record with 162, while Brighton have been the most injury free team with only 44.
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Responding to the comments, Sutton told Betting Sites: ‘That could well be a bit of sour grapes maybe from Ten Hag. I don’t think that you can say Arsenal have been lucky with injuries.
‘The players have obviously been doing the right things and working hard. They’ll be doing stuff pre-training to make sure they’re conditioned and ready to play. And then warming down correctly after games.
‘That’s not to say Manchester United players aren’t doing the same things but in some seasons you get more injuries than other seasons.
‘But you know, as a consequence of Arsenal having that continuity while they’re doing so well. Ten Hag has done well but he’s probably jealous to be looking and seeing Arsenal just miles ahead of them at the minute.’
