Erik ten Hag sends warning to Man United star in Chelsea lineup hint

Erik ten Hag has sent a warning to one Manchester United player as he makes a hint towards the lineup for the upcoming Premier League clash against Chelsea.

Mount’s transfer to Manchester United was met with high expectations from both fans and management alike.

However, his journey at the club has been marred by a series of unfortunate injuries, which have hindered his ability to showcase why he was purchased for a £60 million package in the summer.

Despite his undeniable talent and potential, Mount has struggled to maintain his fitness due to these recurring injuries.

This has led to frustration among fans who were hoping to see him make a significant impact on the team. Additionally, Erik ten Hag now seems hesitant to rush Mount back into the starting lineup.

Ten Hag’s caution is understandable, given the history of reoccurrences among other players in the squad who have rushed back from injuries too soon, both Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martínez have exited the squad shortly after returns.

The United boss seems keen to avoid a similar situation with Mount and has suggested that it is important for the midfielder to work towards maximum fitness.

This could mean that the 25-year-old is left on the bench as he returns to Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening to face former side Chelsea, despite scoring when coming off the bench last time out against Brentford.

“He’s a fantastic football player, but it’s important first that he is getting and keeping fit because he has had three injuries,” said Ten Hag of the summer signing.

Asked how he deals with players in such predicaments, the United boss added: “It depends on the situation you are in as a team, also how the players see it, how they express it on the pitch, then you take a strategy, how to handle this.

“It’s a tough competition, it’s very tight and also a lot about which players are available and not. When you are on the right side of the line you can have a successful season but when on the wrong side you can have a much more difficult season.”

Chelsea, who sit in 12th place in the Premier League, will prove a difficult opponent despite their inconsistencies this term.

“They have a fantastic team, fantastic players and play very good football, they can beat anyone and have shown in this league,” concluded Ten Hag.