Erik ten Hag relieved to welcome back captain Bruno Fernandes for West Ham clash amid growing injury concerns

LONDON – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is hopeful that captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Jonny Evans will be available for their upcoming English Premier League match against West Ham United on Oct 27. However, he expressed frustration at the team's ongoing injury issues for the second season in a row.

The Red Devils have only 11 points after eight matches but are hoping to build some momentum on the back of last weekend’s 2-1 win over Brentford. West Ham, meanwhile, have eight points.

Both Fernandes and Evans missed the midweek 1-1 Europa League draw with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, with United’s captain serving a one-match ban for the red card he was shown against Porto, and Evans was ruled out after picking up a knock in the Brentford game.

“We have to be ready, it’s a short turnaround and we expect Bruno back, and hopefully also Jonny Evans,” ten Hag told reporters.

Asked about the status of Antony after he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher in the Fenerbahce game, he added: “I don’t know.”

United are also still without injured Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire.

“Yeah, that holds us back in our levels, and also in our position in the league,” ten Hag said on the injuries. “When you don’t have the players available, you can’t line up the best team, and that is what’s holding us back in this moment.

“We need more players available often and then we have to work all together on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff – we have to do better to get more available players, because we know when we have them, we are a really tough team to play (against).

“When we have them, we can be really successful, and that is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”

Ten Hag also hopes Manuel Ugarte can build on his solid night in Istanbul, the midfielder’s best performance for his new team since his £52 million (S$89 million) arrival in August.

The Uruguayan had a goal-saving block and also contributed to Christian Eriksen’s goal.

“For sure, the six position is a key position in your team, and (Ugarte) has to learn this position in our game model. I think (Thursday) is a step forward, so I’m really pleased with his performance, and from here on he has to build on it,” the United boss said.

“As you see, if the quality in that position is not right, it’s very difficult for a team to control games. So, that position needs one who brings the quality all the time, and we have to integrate him now in this team. I was pleased with his performance (against Fenerbahce) and from here on he can build up.”