Aoba Tanaka 
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed concerns over the consistent performance of his players, attributing their struggles to being “overloaded” with fixtures and international commitments.
Following a thrilling 4-3 victory against Liverpool in the FA Cup, Manchester United faced a setback with a lackluster 1-1 draw against Brentford. When questioned about the team’s inconsistency, Ten Hag pointed to the heavy workload placed on the players.
“The players are being overloaded, which impacts their ability to perform consistently,” stated the Dutchman, emphasizing the demanding nature of the football calendar. “We’re demanding a lot from our top players, perhaps beyond what is reasonable.”
Ten Hag highlighted the broader issue of fixture congestion affecting not only Manchester United but also other top teams, citing Manchester City’s recent performance dip as an example. He underscored the challenges posed by international commitments, where players are often overused without sufficient recovery time.
“We’re witnessing a decline in performance levels across the board due to the strain of continuous fixtures and international duties,” remarked Ten Hag during a press conference ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea.
To mitigate the strain on his squad, Ten Hag revealed a cautious approach to training between matches, prioritizing player fitness and recovery. “We strike a balance between maintaining fitness levels and avoiding excessive strain on the players,” he clarified.
The manager also highlighted the lingering effects of the 2022 World Cup, which disrupted the previous season with increased fixture congestion. He echoed concerns raised by global player’s union Fifpro regarding the need for better protection against fixture overload.
As football authorities such as FIFA and UEFA contemplate expanding competitions like the Club World Cup and the Champions League, Ten Hag’s remarks shed light on the pressing need to address the welfare of players amid growing concerns over fixture congestion.
As Manchester United navigates through a demanding season, Ten Hag’s insights underscore the delicate balance between competitive demands and player well-being, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to ensure the sustainability of the sport at the highest level.
