Erik ten Hag has called on his Manchester United forwards to improve their fitness levels ahead of the second half of the season.
A youthful looking Red Devils are currently embarking upon a winter training camp in Spain ahead of returning to domestic action against Burnley in the Carabao Cup fourth-round in two weeks time.
Ten Hag’s Reds face Cadiz, who sit 19th in La Liga, in a friendly tonight before facing Europa League side Real Betis on Saturday.
While none of United’s World Cup representatives and Jadon Sancho were named in the 29-man squad that is currently in Spain, Ten Hag will be keen to get plenty of minutes in the legs of the travelling party.
Erik ten Hag pinpoints specific area where Manchester United’s forwards have to improve
During an interview with former Red Danny Webber, Ten Hag highlighted how several of his attacking players have spent spells on the sidelines with injuries.
The likes of Antony, Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have all missed games due to injury.
As a result of being in and out of the team due to their unavailability, the former Ajax manager believes that has impacted his forwards fitness levels.
The 52-year-old believes having his forwards available and at their optimum fitness level will be crucial in United’s pursuit of Champions League football.
Speaking on working on his players fitness while in Spain, the Dutchman told Webber: “[It’s] not [just] to keep fit, [it’s] to get fitter and to improve in the fitness levels. If we see the season so far, especially in the front line, we didn’t always have the players available.
“When they were available, they were not always capable of being at the right fitness levels to compete.
“This is an important objective: to fill that gap, to close that gap and that we are better after the winter, in the restart. To be better and to compete and to match the fitness levels in the Premier League and in the top four.”
United haven’t played since Alejandro Garnacho scored a dramatic late winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage three weeks ago.
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