‘Jealous’ Man Utd boss Ten Hag accused of ‘sour grapes’ over Arsenal comments
Chris Sutton claims that Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is “probably jealous” of Arsenal after suggesting the Gunners had been lucky with injuries this season.
The Red Devils are having a good first season under Ten Hag with the Dutchman guiding them to a League Cup trophy, while Man Utd currently sit third in the Premier League and are still in with a chance of winning the FA Cup and Europa League.
Arsenal are having an even better campaign in the Premier League with Mikel Arteta’s side currently eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the summit, although Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in hand.
Man Utd have suffered with a number of injuries to players this season and Ten Hag pointed out the lack of Arsenal stars out injured in a recent interview.
“Only in one game could I say, ok I can pick my team, also from a tactical approach, that was perfect. That was against Man City at home. And that was the only time in this season,” Ten Hag said.
“In other times, in every game, it was one player suspended, one player is injured or [has] illness, so we have to deal with it well but of course you hope, like I see with Arsenal, that they almost have all the time their squad available.”
An article on Planet Football, compiled this month, points out that Arsenal have the 14th worst injury record this season, while Man Utd are seventh on the list.
Sutton acknowledges that Arsenal seem to have had fewer injuries than Man Utd but the former Premier League striker insists that it’s because the Gunners players have been looking after themselves.
He told Betting Sites: “That could well be a bit of sour grapes maybe from Ten Hag. I don’t think that you can say Arsenal have been lucky with injuries.
“The players have obviously been doing the right things and working hard. They’ll be doing stuff pre-training to make sure they’re conditioned and ready to play. And then warming down correctly after games.
“That’s not to say Manchester United players aren’t doing the same things but in some seasons you get more injuries than other seasons.
“But you know, as a consequence of Arsenal having that continuity while they’re doing so well. Ten Hag has done well but he’s probably jealous to be looking and seeing Arsenal just miles ahead of them at the minute.”
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