Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that his team may not be fully prepared for their upcoming Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday. The Dutch coach expressed his worries as new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have had limited time to train with their new teammates after only arriving at the club on Thursday.

Ten Hag mentioned the challenges faced by the squad due to the complexities of the current situation, stating, "No, it's true, it's not the pre-season where you can in five or six weeks work on the team." The manager emphasized that the team is not yet in an optimal state, despite the imminent start of the league.

In light of injuries to players like Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, and Rasmus Hojlund, Ten Hag acknowledged the difficulties but remained resolute in facing the existing circumstances head-on, stating, "More managers have to deal with this problem, we definitely have this problem. But we have some rules, some principles, we have to make a start, can’t hide, we can’t run away from it, we have to deal with it."

United's recent signing Joshua Zirkee, who was on the bench during the Community Shield defeat by Manchester City, could potentially make his debut in the match against Fulham.

Social media reactions highlighted the tendency for headlines to sensationalize quotes out of context, urging readers to delve into the full story before passing judgment. The comments underscored the challenges faced by many teams in the league with fixture congestion and late returns of players from international competitions.

As the anticipation builds for the season opener, Ten Hag's candid remarks have sparked discussions among fans and media alike, showcasing the fine balance between scrutiny and understanding in the world of football.