'The load on the players is too much' - Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag can't make sense of the 'expanding' schedules in football

Lisandro Martinez is the latest United player to be ruled out for an extended period due to a foot injury, aggravating an issue he first suffered in April.

Sergio Reguilon, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all also unavailable for the time being.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp have complained repeatedly about their team's packed schedules and the impact it has on the condition of players at the top level and Ten Hag has reiterated echoed their sentiments.

"We already expanded the squad this season because we make the reason clear," he said at a press conference.

"We had a World Cup in the middle of the season, we had a longer season, we had to play a longer season as well, with FA Cup. A shorter break.

"Every time the schedule is expanding, the load on the players is too much, it's such a great overload. Many colleagues of mine have pointed to that and I have pointed to that as well. But it keeps going. We keep expanding the schedule. Anywhere, it won't stop. Players can't deal anymore with this overload and I think that's what you say in this squad at the moment."

The Red Devils are in action on Saturday when they host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in the Premier League.