Erik ten Hag has been told to "stop making excuses" by angry Manchester United supporters after claiming his win percentage would be much higher without injuries.
After seeing United finish in the top four and win the Carabao Cup last season, fans will have hoped for the club to push on for more major silverware in the current campaign.
But they have failed to live up to expectations in the Ten Hag's second season at Old Trafford.
After early eliminations from the Champions League and Carabao Cup, United find themselves sixth in the Premier League – 11 points off the top four, leaving the FA Cup as their only realistic hope of silverware this season.
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United next face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday and will be desperate for a positive result to keep them in touch with Aston Villa and Tottenham in the battle for fourth spot.
The Red Devils will be without as many as 10 first-team players for the game against the Toffees and Ten Hag, who has won 61 of his 100 games as United manager, believes his side would be much higher in the league if they had a full squad available.
"It tells us that we are going in the right direction," he said of his current win percentage. "So imagine we had many more players available and not setbacks and injuries, could easily have 75 wins and that tells the bright future of this team.
“When you compare it with other managers, other teams, or previous managers in this big club you can see there is a bright future.
"It is a good balance in ages in this squad. Young players, middle-aged players; imagine when they are available, could easily have won from 100 games 75.
"It is a big difference."
Some United supporters have reacted angrily to Ten Hag's comments, voicing their frustration on social media.
One posted on X: "So many excuses for this man."
Another United fan wrote: "Stop waffling mate. Every team deals with injuries. Madrid and Liverpool have over 7 first team players out, yet, they're still winning. Its always an excuse when he opens his mouth."
"This dude is just living in his own world," posted another.
While a fourth simply wrote: "Deluded."
Ten Hag's comments come amid reports he could be replaced at the end of the season, should United miss out on Champions League football.
Several high-profile names have been linked with the role including Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Fan Reactions, Football
Rory O'Callaghan