Ten Hag: 'The team is not ready, but the league starts'

The waiting is over! English Premier League begins tonight at Old Trafford, where Man United will host Fulham. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Red Devils boss, Erik ten Hag, wasn't enthusiastic ahead of the duel with the Cottagers, claiming that the situation within his squad was complicated.

"The team is not ready. But the league starts. We can't hide from it. We have to deal with it. It's very complicated. We had the USA tour squad and then we added the players at Euros and Copa America and now new signings and we have to make a team from it," warned Ten Hag.

The Dutchman announced he wouldn't hesitate to throw the newcomers Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in at the deep end tonight although they had only few training sessions with the team, and mentioned another name we should expect in the lineup.

"Issues are there. But it's not about the players who are not available. Same as last season it's about the players who are available. We have a good group, we can make a strong selection and we can put out a strong team and we will do. They will be in the squad and Harry Maguire will be in the squad as well," revealed the strategist.

Transfer window is still open, but Man Utd has already secured the most important deal

Finally, he also specifically touched on the Moroccan Mazraoui, discussing his qualities and the roles in the team that suit him best.

"In English football there is always pressure on the ball and one of his key attributes is that it's very difficult to put him under pressure. We can sort problems on the left side, with, for instance, Licha Martinez and Diogo Dalot is capable of playing there. Noussair can also fill the position," Ten Hag explained.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

22:00: (1.62) Man.Utd. (4.20) Fulham (5.80)

Saturday

14:30: (8.50) Ipswich (5.50) Liverpool (1.33)

17:00: (1.22) Arsenal (7.25) Wolverhampton (15.0)

17:00: (2.70) Everton (3.15) Brighton (2.75)

17:00: (1.40) Newcastle (4.80) Southampton (7.75)

17:00: (2.45) Nott.Forest (3.40) Bournemouth (2.85)

19:30: (2.50) West Ham (3.45) Aston Villa (2.75)

Sunday

16:00: (2.55) Brentford (3.35) Crystal Palace (2.75)

18:30: (4.20) Chelsea (3.80) Man.City (1.90)

Monday

22:00: (5.20) Leicester (4.00) Tottenham (1.65)

***odds are subject to change***