Erik ten Hag facing 'issues' before Man Utd opener as Matthijs de Ligt decision made

Erik ten Hag admits that his Manchester United team isn’t ready for the start of the season but accepts that he won’t be the only Premier League manager facing the same problem. United commence the new campaign by hosting Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday night, and multiple stars could be set for their debuts under the lights.

Ten Hag has confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui – who completed their transfers from Bayern Munich on Tuesday – will feature in the squad.

But he has suggested that he could be hit with some untimely absences for the Premier League curtain-raiser in M16.

“Issues are there, but it’s not about the players who are not available, it’s about the players who are available,” Ten Hag explained on Thursday.

“We have a good group, we can make a strong selection, we can put out a strong team, and we will do.”

Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund are United’s known absences. Victor Lindelof is currently a doubt after missing the Community Shield defeat against Manchester City.

Ten Hag is positive about Shaw’s injury recovery, confirming he expects his first-choice left-back to return to contention in the near future.

He said: “I think he will return in the short-term, doesn’t take long. We are looking forward, of course.

MORE TO FOLLOW

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.

MORE TO FOLLOW

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.