As the highly anticipated 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off, Man Utd is gearing up to face Fulham in the opening fixture on Friday. However, the team’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has expressed concerns that his team is “not ready” for the big match. Despite the challenges, Ten Hag remains optimistic and is looking forward to fielding a strong lineup.
Man Utd’s Summer Signings: A Boost to the Team?
Manchester United has been busy in the transfer market, securing the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The two defenders have joined the team for a combined fee of close to £60m. While their arrival is a significant boost to the team, Ten Hag is aware that they have had limited time to train with their new teammates, which could impact their performance in the opening fixture.
De Ligt, in particular, has been touted as a key signing for Manchester United. The Dutch defender has a reputation for being one of the best young defenders in the world, and his arrival is expected to strengthen the team’s defense. However, his limited training time with the team could be a concern, especially given the high expectations surrounding his signing.
Will De Ligt Finally Settle Down at Man Utd?
De Ligt’s signing has been seen as a major coup for Manchester United, but the question on everyone’s mind is whether he will finally settle down at the club. The Dutch defender has had a nomadic career so far, playing for Ajax and Juventus before joining Bayern Munich. His move to Manchester United is seen as a fresh start, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to establish himself as a key player for the team.
According to Ten Hag, De Ligt is a “very important player” for the team, and he is confident that the Dutch defender will be able to make a significant impact. However, only time will tell whether De Ligt will be able to live up to the high expectations surrounding his signing.
Selection Dilemmas for Ten Hag
Ten Hag is facing a selection dilemma ahead of the opening fixture against Fulham. Defender Luke Shaw is sidelined with a calf injury, while new signing Leny Yoro has been ruled out for three months. Forward Rasmus Hojlund is also struggling with a hamstring problem, which leaves Ten Hag with limited options.
The Dutch manager is confident that he can field a strong lineup despite the selection issues. “It’s not about the players who are not available,” he said. “It’s about the players who are available, and we have a good group. We can make a strong selection.”
Ten Hag’s Selection Options
Ten Hag has a number of options to choose from ahead of the opening fixture. Mazraoui could be one answer to the selection dilemma, while Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez filled in during last Saturday’s Community Shield. The Dutch manager is also confident that Joshua Zirkee, the team’s new striker, will be able to make an impact.
According to Ten Hag, Zirkee is a “very important player” for the team, and he is confident that the Dutch striker will be able to score goals. However, only time will tell whether Zirkee will be able to live up to the high expectations surrounding his signing.
What to Expect from the Opening Fixture
The opening fixture against Fulham is expected to be a tough test for Manchester United. The team has had a disrupted preseason, and the selection issues are a concern. However, Ten Hag is confident that his team will be able to rise to the challenge.
According to the Dutch manager, the team is “not ready” for the opening fixture, but he is confident that they will be able to put in a strong performance. “We can’t hide from it,” he said. “We have to deal with it.”
The opening fixture against Fulham is expected to be a sell-out, with fans eager to see the team in action. The match is also expected to be broadcast live on television, with millions of fans around the world tuning in to watch.
As the 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off, Manchester United is looking to make a strong start. Despite the challenges, the team is confident that they can rise to the top and challenge for the title. Only time will tell whether they will be able to live up to the high expectations surrounding them.