UNITED'S PAIN BARRIER

Ten Hag hamstrung by stars' mental frailties

- DAVID MCDONNELL

ERIK TEN HAG reckons some of his Manchester United players were so badly affected by the negativity surrounding the club last season it caused them to be injured.

Ten Hag is of the belief that several of his squad were not mentally tough enough to cope with the criticism that came their way, with some unable to play through the pain barrier.

United suffered an unprecedented number of injuries to key players as they toiled to eighth place, their worst-ever Premier League finish, with a goal difference of minus one.