Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has candidly admitted that his team is not entirely prepared for their Premier League opener against Fulham, scheduled for Friday night. Despite this, Ten Hag recognizes that the new season has arrived, and his squad must rise to the occasion and confront the challenge head-on. Although the preparation has been less than ideal, Ten Hag remains committed to facing the season with resolve.
The manager has confirmed that new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, both of whom were previously under his guidance at Ajax, will be part of the squad for the upcoming match. However, there are notable absences, as key players like Joshua Zirkzee and young defender Leny Yoro will not be available due to injuries. Additionally, several players who returned from international duties at varying times over the summer are also dealing with fitness concerns, which further complicates the team’s readiness.
Ten Hag acknowledged the challenge posed by the shortened pre-season, which has limited the time available to build team cohesion. He emphasized that, despite the lack of thorough preparation, the team must adhere to their core principles and aim to make a strong start to the season. This commitment to their foundational strategies is crucial, even in the face of incomplete readiness.
In terms of player availability, Ten Hag has indicated that De Ligt and Mazraoui will indeed be included in the squad for the opener. Harry Maguire, who is recovering from a minor injury sustained during the Community Shield, is also expected to participate. Unfortunately, Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia are ruled out of the match, with Shaw anticipated to return following the September international break.
Manchester United will kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Fulham at Old Trafford. This will be followed by challenging away games against Brighton and a crucial early-season derby against Liverpool on September 1. Despite the hurdles, Ten Hag is focused on assembling a robust team ready to tackle the season ahead.
Fans of Manchester United will be able to watch the opening match live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 6:30 pm on Friday, August 16.