In the 2023-24 Premier League season, Manchester United faced their toughest challenge yet as they experienced the highest number of injuries, with a total of 45 separate cases recorded. The research conducted by the Premier Injuries website over more than 20 years showed that this was the highest number of individual injuries where a player missed at least one Premier League game on record.
The injury bug hit United hard throughout the season as 21 players were injured, resulting in a total of 1,620 days lost to those on the sidelines. However, it’s important to note that this count does not include left-back Tyrell Malacia, who was injured before the season began. But it does include Lisandro Martinez, who missed an astonishing 214 days due to three separate injuries.
Casemiro being exposed as United’s makeshift centre-back at times highlights the challenges faced by the club when dealing with numerous injured players. There were moments when the club had an entire starting XI out injured. Erik ten Hag’s team was one of four clubs, along with Newcastle, Chelsea and Luton Town, that had 11 players absent in a single game week.
The injury crisis at Old Trafford has put a strain on the team’s resources and morale. With so many players out injured, ten Hag has had to rely on young talent and fringe players to fill in the gaps left by his regular starters. Despite these challenges, ten Hag remains optimistic about his team’s potential for success in future seasons and is determined to turn things around for Manchester United.
