Erik ten Hag insists that Manchester United won’t have any justifications if they lose to Leeds on Wednesday night.
Due to injuries and suspensions, United will be missing a number of important players, with Casemiro starting a three-match suspension after getting sent off during last Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace.
The important midfielder will observe as Ten Hag attempts to select the strongest starting lineup from a group that is also without Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek for an extended period of time, along with Anthony Martial, Antony, and Scott McTominay.
The 53-year-old Dutchman, though, is adamant that his team will still give it everything they have at Old Trafford to get three points.
He said: “I’m the manager. I always have to play with the players who are available.
“We have a squad, we have many good players available in that squad who are not always in the starting XI. So others [will] get the chance and I have to do it.
“After the game, I can’t say Casemiro is not there, Martial is not there. No, we have to win.
“This squad, all players in [it], are Man United capable, so they have to perform and we have to win the games, no matter who is coming on the pitch.”
ℹ️ Erik has ruled three Reds out through injury ahead of #MUNLEE.#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 7, 2023
Relegation-haunted Leeds are searching for a new boss after axing Jesse Marsch.
They currently sit outside the Premier League drop zone thanks to a better goal difference than fellow strugglers Everton.
A win at the Theatre of Dreams, as unlikely as it may seem, would see the Whites move level with 14th-placed Leicester on 21 points.
United, meanwhile, can pull five clear of nearest rivals Newcastle as they look to consolidate their place in the top three.