Erik ten Hag says Mason Mount back in squad to face Burnley tomorrow, otherwise unchanged | OneFootball

With Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future hanging on a knife edge, his recent press conferences have become quite bristly.

Having ranted about the “embarrassing” media reaction to United’s FAC up semi final victory over Coventry City, in which they gave away a three goal lead before sneaking through on penalties, he then reportedly blanked certain journalists in the next presser.

Today he appeared before the press again for the obligatory pre-match conference ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Burnley. However, he banned journalists from three papers – The MEN, The Mirror and The Sun, from asking any questions.

First order of business was to catch up on the plethora of injuries that are being treated.

Ten Hag confirmed that Mason Mount was fit again and would be in tomorrow’s quad, otherwise it would be the “same squad but apart from Mason” [to the one that beat Sheffield United on Wednesday].

He also reported that Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial have started outdoor training and are scheduled to resume team training next week. “I think we will see Shaw, Martinez and Martial all in the season,” he said. “They progress well.”

On Marcus Rashford, who is expected to miss the game, the manager said:

“I’ve a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course. Last year, he had a brilliant season. I think the best season in his career, he scored 30 goals. This season, he didn’t give the performances and people have been very criticial. We have to back him and everyone should back him to get back to the levels of last year.”

“I think he needs the support. We all know what he’s capable of, we all have to support and push him. He can do better than this year. We saw last year when he was really brilliant.”

Ten Hag also offered special praise to the United fans.

“I think the fans are behind us always,” he said. “We are entering Old Trafford, I heard the reception. Wednesday was louder than I have heard. Also away: always supportive, backing the team and there is a very good connection between the team and the fans.”

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