We have to deal with injury crisis at United, says Park
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung has never known anything quite like the club's present injury list.
By the final whistle of yesterday's 5-0 win over Wigan at Old Trafford, United had 11 players on the treatment table.
They ended up with Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra in central defence, Antonio Valencia at full-back and Wayne Rooney operating in central midfield.
It hardly seems like a policy for sustained success, even though they are now trailing leaders Manchester City only on goal difference after an impressive run of eight wins in nine games.
Even what seemed like the Blues' impregnable goal difference lead has been reduced to just five and as City are not in action until New Year's Day, 24 hours after United have entertained bottom club Blackburn, it looks like Sir Alex Ferguson will receive a 70th birthday present of being on top of the league.
Yet Park cannot help but acknowledge the problem threatening to derail United's season.
"I have never known anything like it," said the South Korean.
"Hopefully we will get our defenders back pretty quickly because we are coming up to some very important games.
"We have to deal with it and get through this period."
Of those who missed out yesterday, Ferguson has highest hopes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling making a successful recovery from illness.
United have not put a timescale on Rio Ferdinand's absence with a back injury, whilst Jonny Evans looks set to miss a couple of weeks with the calf injury that forced him off at half-time during the Wigan win.
But stand-in skipper Evra is getting concerned.
"I am a little bit worried because we need everyone if we are going to win the league," said the France international.
"It is starting to get annoying.
"It is not the first year we got so many injuries. Two years ago I played with Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher at the back.
"The most important thing is that we won but I hope everyone gets fit because Blackburn is another big game and we need all the defenders."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments