Erik ten Hag hits back at Wayne Rooney in staunch defence of Man Utd players

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has responded to Wayne Rooney's claims that some of the club's injured players are 'hiding'.

22:30, Tue, May 14, 2024

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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has hit back at Wayne Rooney (Image: Getty)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has fired back at Wayne Rooney's claims that some of the club's injured players are fit enough to play but are choosing not to. The Red Devils have been plagued by injuries this season, with over 60 separate instances and 10 players currently out of action for Wednesday night's clash against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Rooney, United's all-time leading goalscorer, suggested that some of the sidelined players could play but are holding out for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25 and Euro 2024. However, Ten Hag dismissed these allegations, asserting that his injured players are doing everything possible to return to the pitch as soon as they can.

"I think you have to see here in Carrington the players are desperate to play," said Ten Hag. He mentioned Licha Martinez and Bruno Fernandes, who underwent a fitness test on Sunday to play, and Marcus Rashford, who tried to train last week but couldn't make it.

"Players are desperate to play, they want to be in the right shape," he added. Ten Hag also noted that Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane are training hard to be available for the final.

He anticipates that defender Martinez, who has only made 11 appearances this season, will be back in the squad for the visit of the Magpies. Raphael Varane, who announced his departure from United at the end of the season on Tuesday, could return for Sunday's final league game at Brighton.

"Licha Martinez, I think he will return to the squad," Ten Hag revealed. "He has had some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available.

"If everything goes right in the training, he will return to the squad. For some other players - Rashford, Bruno, Willy Kambwala we have to see if they are fit enough.

"We plan for Varane, definitely for the last games. Not Newcastle, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game of the season, the FA Cup final."