Ratcliffe launches probe into injury crisis at United

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE wants a fresh investigation into what has caused the injury crisis at Manchester United this season.

United manager Erik ten Hag has endured more than 60 injuries or illnesses to his squad since August.

The number of absences is more than double the average United have become accustomed to in recent seasons.

United conducted an internal review into the possible reasons for the failing fitness of their stars.

But Ratcliffe has seen no improvement since completing his £1.3billion investment in United at the start of 2024.

Just last week Harry Maguire, above, was sidelined for three weeks after breaking down in training – and is facing a battle to be fit for the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Ratcliffe knows

United can ill-afford to have some of their biggest names sidelined for weeks on end if the club are to challenge for major trophies again.

He believes more can be done to prevent injuries and will commission a “root-and-branch” investigation into the problem that will involve INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford.

This will include scrutinising Ten Hag’s training methods, schedules and how intense his sessions have been.

United played 62 games last season, which also included a winter World Cup.

But senior figures at United believe there must be other factors, apart from the general workload, that are causing players to break down on such a regular basis.