Man Utd in crisis: Greenwood controversy, three injury blows, Amrabat waiting and Antony still struggling

Man Utd Erik ten Hag

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is having to contend with a crisis at the club

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/08/2023

- 08:35

The Red Devils have endured a slow start to the new Premier League season

Manchester United have beaten Wolves and lost to Tottenham in the Premier League so far this season.

But a crisis is hanging over Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag looks to steer the club to a first crown since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement a decade ago.


United performed well in pre-season and bolstered their squad with deals for the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

Yet they've looked alarmingly vulnerable during their opening two fixtures and the problems are mounting for Ten Hag's team.

Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood is set to leave Man Utd but the club have faced a backlash

PA

Firstly, there's the Mason Greenwood issue.

United have finally confirmed they'll be selling the striker this summer, 18 months after he last played for the club.

But the Red Devils have been criticised for the way they handled their investigation into Greenwood, who had charges of attempted rape and assault dropped in February this year.

Richard Arnold initially briefed staff that Greenwood would be returning to the fold. Yet it seems he then performed a U-turn following a big backlash on social media.

United have also been slammed for saying Greenwood was 'not guilty' of the charges he initially faced. Factually speaking this is incorrect as charges were dropped and no jury or trial was ever needed.

Ten Hag will answer questions on the striker on Friday. It'll be interesting to see what he says, having previously been in favour of a Greenwood return.

The Dutchman is also poised to address three big injury blows, too.

Mount is set to be out for the next six weeks, while there's still no clarity on when Hojlund will make his first appearance for the club.

And then, on Thursday night, it emerged Luke Shaw was set for a spell on the sidelines.

The England international is a key player for Ten Hag and his absence will be a blow. United are hoping he'll miss weeks, rather than months of footballing action.

Off the pitch, Ten Hag is still eager to bolster his United squad.

He knows they need more reinforcements and Sofyan Amrabat is a player keen to move to Old Trafford, having previously played under Ten Hag earlier in his career.

The midfielder is training alone at Fiorentina in the hope a transfer will materialise.

Yet there's still no guarantee he'll sign on the dotted line. United need to sell before they add to their squad and with the likes of Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek currently looking set to stay, that represents a problem.

One player Ten Hag did sign, albeit 12 months ago, is Antony.

But while Marcus Rashford hasn't set the world alight so far this season, at least he did last season.

This is a make-or-break campaign for Antony, especially given his massive £86million transfer fee.

However, he's been abysmal so far. The Samba star was poor against Wolves and dreadful against Tottenham, with many feeling he should have been withdrawn far sooner.

United also have issues in midfield with Casemiro currently looking a shadow of his usual self.

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Man Utd Casemiro Antony

Man Utd duo Casemiro and Antony have struggled so far this season

PA

Right now, they'll struggle to make the top four. United need to overcome this crisis fast or other teams around them will quickly pass them by.

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