Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has launched a staunch defence of his players after Wayne Rooney claimed they are faking injuries.
Rooney recently said that several sidelined United players are fit enough to play but are choosing not to, leaving Ten Hag to take all the stick.
Ten Hag denied those claims in the press conference ahead of Man United’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
He said: “You have to see here at Carrington, players are desperate to play. I see Licha Martinez, I see Bruno (Fernandes) who did a fitness test on Sunday to play.
“(Marcus) Rashford did everything he could do – he trained and tried to train last week but couldn’t make it. So players are desperate to play.
“They want to be in the right shape.
“You also see Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane – they are training to make themselves available for the final. They do what they can do.”
The Red Devils have had an awful season. Injuries have not helped their cause.
United have registered more than 60 cases of injuries, leaving Ten Hag with a major selection headache in almost every game.
Fernandes, Rashford and Martinez are expected to return against the Magpies when they visit Old Trafford.
Only three games remain this season, including the FA Cup final against Manchester City in the last week of the month.
The Dutchman will hope his key players are available for the final, as winning a trophy could save his job at Old Trafford.
