Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that he has not been able to select his "favourite team" for "18 months" due to constant injury problems since his arrival at the club.

The Red Devils had a number of injury issues during the 2022-23 campaign, but the situation has worsened this term, with the team suffering from various fitness problems.

Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane are currently on the sidelines, while Mason Mount, Willy Kambwala and Sofyan Amrabat are also absent from the squad for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Coventry City.

Ten Hag's future as Man United boss continues to be called into question, with the team struggling in the Premier League this season, sitting seventh in the table, while they were eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League.

The Dutchman has said that he is 'only focusing on his team' amid the constant criticism, but he has bemoaned the injury issues that have continued to plague his time at the club.

Erik ten Hag opens up on ongoing injury problems

"I don't put energy in this, if I am judged fairly or not fairly, that is. I know what we are doing here. I know why I'm here, to bring trophies, to also create, economic value. So we are working on those and, in a process, yeah, you have setbacks," he told reporters.

"I can't get say, going into emotions. No, I see it realistic, I see it rational. And I'm only focusing on my team and to improve my team, to improve the individuals. And that's what I'm here for.

"No, I don't have any concern [about the views of people on the outside]. What concerns me is that in 18 months I have never had my favourite team on the pitch in 18 months.

"One time against [Manchester] City last season, in the home game. That was the only time where we had a full squad where I can pick my team. In all the other games, always there was an injury aspect we have to deal with, and that is normal in football, but not as many as we have had.

Erik ten Hag could be leaving Man United this summer

"And I know when you have so many injuries as we have had, and in crucial key positions, you can't deliver the results you want to bring and that is, yeah, okay, but this is my truth.

"Others can have different truths, but I can't put energy in that."

Ten Hag has not received public backing from the club's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is believed to be seriously considering changing the manager this summer.

England head coach Gareth Southgate is seen as the favourite, although his lack of experience in club management could ultimately count against him.

Meanwhile, Graham Potter is also believed to be in the running, with Ratcliffe said to be a huge admirer of the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea head coach. body check tags ::