Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has played down concerns that his training methods are behind the club's injury woes.
The Red Devils are having to contend with a number of injury absentees ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Everton.
Midfielder Mason Mount has become the latest player to be ruled out for the trip to Goodison Park after he sustained a calf injury in training.
Mount has now joined a lengthy absentee list, which also features Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
While Luke Shaw is set to return from a spell on the sidelines, Ten Hag still has doubts over the availability of Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Rasmus Hojlund.
With Man United experiencing a flurry of injuries this season, questions have been raised about Ten Hag's training methods.
However, the Dutchman has hit back at those concerns, pointing out that Man United played more matches (62) than any other team in Europe last season.
"Last year we played the most games across Europe," Ten Hag told reporters. "Last year was also a weird year with a World Cup in the middle of the season.
"Every manager is complaining about the schedule and I have heard Thomas Tuchel's statements. But each year they keep adding games to the schedule.
"Next year they will add two more games and we have already achieved the limits and even gone across the limits that players can handle.
"In the first 12 Premier League games the physical standards have been even higher in comparison to last year. You have choices to make. Either you match it by training and preparation - or you drop off.
"That is a decision that every club has to make, every team has to make, and every individual has to make. You have to do it smart. Every team knows you have to suffer and sacrifice.
"If you want to prepare for games then, at certain right moments, you have to go to certain physical levels. If you want to match those standards - and those standards are not set by us but by the opposition."
Man United, who currently occupy eighth position, will be looking to continue their fine run of league form when they face the Toffees, having won four of their last five top-flight matches.
Sunday's contest represents the first of three away games, with Man United set to face Galatasaray in Wednesday's Champions League clash and Newcastle United in next Saturday's Premier League fixture. body check tags ::
