Erik ten Hag confirms Luke Shaw and in-form midfielder Fred are doubts for Man United’s FA Cup clash with West Ham… as Red Devils boss heaps praise on role of his squad players in Carabao Cup win
Luke Shaw and Fred are doubtful for Manchester United’s FA Cup fifth round tier against West Ham on Wednesday night after picking up injuries in the Carabao Cup final.
Both players were involved in Sunday’s victory over Newcastle at Wembley but manager Erik ten Hag revealed that they could miss the meeting with the Hammers at Old Trafford. Anthony Martial is still not fit to return after a hip injury.
‘Anthony Martial is not available, Luke Shaw and Fred are questions for tomorrow,’ said the Dutchman at his pre-match press conference, insisting that all the squad will have a role to play as United chase success on four fronts.
‘Let me make myself clear, we didn’t win it with 11 players,’ added Ten Hag.
‘We won with a squad and I think the squad the whole season is so important every time players come in, if it’s for a whole game, minutes, a couple of games.
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that in-form midfielder Fred is a doubt for their tie with West Ham
Full-back Luke Shaw, pictured after the Carabao Cup final, is also unlikely to feature
‘Also during games we can change dynamics, we do it with many more than 11 players. I count on them and know they will be ready.
‘Every time they play they take responsibility and it’s about that, but you also have to fight for your position. There are great months and great games ahead of us.’
Ten Hag will have to manage his squad as the fixtures mount up for United, but he dismissed suggestions that he will have one eye on Sunday’s trip to Liverpool when he selects his team for West Ham.
‘I think every game is important,’ he said. ‘Every game until now, this dressing-room has the right attitude and the right approach. They take it game by game. You said it (Liverpool) is the biggest game, but was Barcelona not a big game?’