Some members of the Manchester United squad have reportedly blamed being overworked in pre-season for their poor start to the season.
The Red Devils have lost half of their 18 matches in all competitions so far, with their position in the league and cup performances suffering heavily.
Erik ten Hag's side sit sixth in the Premier League table, five points adrift of the top four and with a negative goal difference, having scored only 13 goals in their opening 12 games.
United are also on the brink of elimination in their Champions League group, having lost to all three sides in the group already, with just three points to their name after four games.
After losing 4-3 away to Copenhagen, United limped over the line with a narrow 1-0 at Old Trafford against newly-promoted Luton Town before the international break.
Both the manager and players have come under intense scrutiny following some of the performance and results this season.
Back-to-back 3-0 home defeats in the Manchester derby and then in the EFL Cup against Newcastle United raised the pressure on Ten Hag exponentially.
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Now, The Guardian claims that some of the senior members of the United squad have complained about Ten Hag's methods in pre-season, alleging him to have worked the players too hard.
The report states that some players felt more tired at the start of this season than they did at the end of the last, which is made even more remarkable when it is considered that United played 62 matches during 2022-23 with a World Cup wedged in between.
It is believed none of the concerned players have voiced their thoughts directly to the manager, though, as Ten Hag remains adamant that he has the backing of his squad.
Despite an extended season due to the Qatar World Cup, Ten Hag still upped the intensity in pre-season, as the United first team played eight friendlies, with other squad members also featuring in a tour of the United States.
In addition to this, injuries have piled up among the United ranks, with Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana both doubts for the trip to Everton after picking up knocks on international duty.
The duo may join a lengthy list of absentees which includes the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro and the banished Jadon Sancho.
Andrew Delaney
