Erik ten Hag fears Manchester United’s season could be derailed by recent injury crisis

United were plagued by injury last season. launched an internal investigation around this time last year to see if there were any underlying patterns behind these problems.

Ten Hag had hoped this season would be different, but injuries are already taking their toll and the Dutchman says the club, players and staff need to collectively find solutions despite concerns about how the situation could affect the season.

Fenerbahce marks the fifth time this season that United have started with a different pair of central midfielders.

“Yes, it keeps us at our level,” the United manager said of the latest injury crisis. “And also about our position in the league. Because when you don’t have players available, you won’t be able to assemble the best team. And this is what is holding us back at the moment.

“We need more players available frequently. And then we will have to work on this issue all together, namely the players, the coaching staff and the rest of the staff.

“We need to try harder to get more available players because we know that when we have them we are really difficult to play against. And when we have them, we can be really successful.”

Anthony’s injury is awaiting assessment.

Ten Hag said Anthony will need further examination before they can determine the extent of the injury. The Brazilian striker was on the pitch for just 16 minutes as a second-half substitute when he had to be carried off on a stretcher.

United remained in Istanbul on Thursday night and were due to fly to London on Friday before training in the capital on Saturday ahead of the match against West Ham.

“We have to be ready, it’s a short turn and we’re expecting Bruno back of course and hopefully Jonny Evans too,” Ten Haeg said.

United have struggled to score goals – a problem that has plagued them for much of the last two seasons – but Andre Onana is confident that will change.

“There are chances and at the moment the ball is not in the net, but it will come,” the United goalkeeper said. “The most important thing is to create chances.

“If we don’t create any chances we’ll all have to worry – but the chances are there so we’ll have to be patient. The problem is that we are not winning. We don’t score goals, but it will come.”