Too much running?! Man Utd players worried about Erik ten Hag's training 'demands' and blame manager for injury nightmare

A group of Manchester United players believe that the Dutchman demands too much from his squad in training and is also to blame for the club's injury crisis, according to the Manchester Evening News. The club has suffered a slew of injuries throughout the season especially in defence where the club has struggled to plug gaps.

Nine players missed the Red Devils' Manchester derby loss to City on Sunday, according to the report, which details 47 separate cases of injuries and illnesses so far this season. Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Diogo Dalot are the only outfield players who have not missed time due to injury. The 3-1 loss to Manchester City also saw the Dutchman having to substitute Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans, after both players picked up issues during the game.

Due to United's FA Cup fifth-round away match against Nottingham Forest four days before the derby, Ten Hag gave his players the day off on Monday and Friday of last week. United were ousted from all European competition in December after finishing last in their Champions League group, therefore their February schedule was comparatively light with just six games.

The Red Devils will have another decent break before their clash against Sean Dyche's Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday, March 9. They will then have another week to recuperate before they take on Liverpool in the quarter-final of the FA Cup on March 17.