Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Luton Town in the 12th round of the Premier League was marred by injuries to Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund.
Towards the end of the first half, Eriksen sat down on the pitch after a fall despite not having collided with anyone. After a few minutes, the 31-year-old midfielder left the field, making way for Mason Mount - the $76 million signing who was given the legendary number 7 shirt.
In the 79th minute, it was Hojlund's turn to sit down on the pitch and repeatedly rub his hamstring. The 20-year-old striker didn't limp when he was substituted for Anthony Martial, but his early departure still caused concern.
At the post-match press conference, Ten Hag was unaware of the specific situation and had to wait for the results of medical tests to determine the exact problem within the next 24 hours. According to the Dutch coach, Eriksen and Hojlund are not seriously injured, but this continues to create personnel difficulties for Man Utd. Previously, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, and Luke Shaw were sidelined due to injury, while Jadon Sancho was suspended.
Manchester United's doctor attends to Hojlund as the Danish striker suffered an injury near the end of the win against Luton Town at Old Trafford in the 12th round of the Premier League on November 11th. Photo: EPA
Coach Ten Hag comforted Hojlund after the Danish striker left the field. Photo: AFP
"We've talked about it many times. Injuries have lowered the team's level and performance. But hopefully, the players will return and these new injuries aren't too bad," said Ten Hag.
When asked further about Eriksen's injury, the Dutch coach replied: "He slipped, but that's all. We have to assess, make a diagnosis, draw conclusions, and only then will we know the full situation."
Eriksen and Hojlund have both been called up for Denmark's final two matches against Slovenia on November 17th and Northern Ireland on November 20th in Group H of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Denmark are currently second with 19 points, behind Slovenia on goal difference and four points ahead of Kazakhstan. They will secure Euro 2024 qualification if they win either of their next two matches.
Ten Hag believes it's too early to say whether Eriksen and Hojlund will be able to join the national team. "It could happen," the 53-year-old coach admitted. "But I can't give an accurate assessment right now. We have to wait and see what the conclusion is."
Eriksen (second from left) was injured before having to leave the field. Photo: AFP
In the win against Luton Town, Ten Hag received a yellow card in injury time for complaining about the referee awarding a throw-in to the opposing team. With this being his third yellow card in the Premier League this season, the Dutch coach will be banned from the touchline for the next match away against Everton on November 26th.
Ten Hag accepted the penalty and expressed confidence that the coaching staff had the competence to take his place. The 53-year-old coach insisted he was close to the incident and that the referee was wrong to award Luton Town a throw-in. "Everything was clear and it should have been a throw-in for Man Utd. That's my opinion, and therefore, I was given a card."
When asked if he would penalize himself for receiving a card, Ten Hag replied: "If players receive a red card, they can be penalized. But with a yellow card, it's not. There are certain times when you have to accept the decisions, and I should do the same."
Hong Duy
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