Erik ten Hag has emphasized that he, his coaching staff, and Manchester United's players must work together to ensure more of the squad remains fit, as the team continues to be plagued by injuries this season. Last season, United suffered a total of 66 injuries, and despite efforts to address the issue during the summer, players like Leny Yoro, Ramsus Højlund, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelöf have all sustained injuries this term. Tyrell Malacia remains sidelined for the long term.

In Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw against Fenerbahce, Antony, who came on as a late substitute, was stretchered off the field. Seven United players missed the match due to injury. Following their third consecutive draw in the Europa League, which leaves the team in 21st place out of 36 clubs, Ten Hag addressed the ongoing fitness concerns within the squad.

"That holds us back in our levels," Ten Hag stated. "Also in our position in the league [12th]. Because when you don't have the players available, you can't field the best team. And that is what's holding us back at this moment. We need more players to be consistently available. And then we have to work all together on this point. And that is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We have to do better to get more available players.

"Because we know when we have them, we are a really tough team to play. And when we have them, we can be really successful. And that is what we have shown over the last couple of months."

Manuel Ugarte started for the first time since the 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford on 29 September, completing 90 minutes for the first time since joining in the summer. Ten Hag praised Ugarte's performance, stating, "The 6 position is a key position in your team, and he has to learn this position in our game model. [This] is a step forward – I am really pleased with his performance – and from here on he has to build. We have to stay patient but if the quality in that position is not right it's very difficult for a team to control games, and then I don't even speak about dominating games. This position needs one who brings quality all the time, and we have to integrate him now in this team."

United will travel to London from Istanbul on Friday in preparation for Sunday's visit to West Ham, with a training session scheduled for Saturday. Ten Hag is hopeful that Evans will be available for selection.

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