Boss changes tune on injury issues as the pressure rises

"WE have to win and I don't want to find excuses if we're not," a defiant Erik ten Hag said in November about Manchester United's dismal start to the season.

- STEVEN RAILSTON

United had just suffered back-to-back 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford against Manchester City and Newcastle two chastening results - and the pressure had increased on Ten Hag, who came out fighting in his press conference and reiterated there could be no excuses.

Ten Hag conceded analysis of performances must be 'pragmatic' due to the number of players unavailable but refused to give excuses for the disappointing results outright.

However, the injury crisis has not relented and results have continued to be hit-and-miss, which has led to a gradual, yet noticeable, change in the manager's stance.

United are 13 points adrift of the Champions League qualification places and potentially winning the FA Cup is the only glimmer of light remaining this season.

There is no doubt about it, Ten Hag is fighting for his future at Old Trafford and many believe performances since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a minority stake haven't been good enough to persuade the British billionaire that he's the right manager for next season.

Although the unfortunate hand Ten Hag has been dealt with injuries must be considered when deciding on his is future, the bottom line United should be playing better.

It's fascinating Ten Hag has gone from refusing to blame injuries in the first half of the season, to going out of his way to discuss them in recent press conferences.