Ben Foster on Injured Players Traveling with Manchester United Squad: “It’s Easy Street, But Amorim Has a Different Approach”

Ben Foster on Injured Players Traveling with Manchester United Squad: “It’s Easy Street, But Amorim Has a Different Approach”

 

Ben Foster, the former Premier League goalkeeper and current pundit, recently shared his thoughts on the experience of injured players and their role within the squad during their recovery periods. In particular, he commented on the practice of injured players traveling with the team to matches, a topic that has been in the spotlight with players like Mason Mount and Luke Shaw continuing to be part of the Manchester United squad despite being sidelined with injuries.

 

In a candid discussion, Foster elaborated on his own experiences as an injured player, highlighting the contrast between the more relaxed approach to injury recovery and the rigorous methods employed by certain managers. His comments shed light on the human side of being a footballer and offered an insightful perspective on the responsibilities and expectations placed on injured players within a team structure.

 

Injuries: The Hidden Side of a Footballer’s Life

 

Foster, who had a long and successful career at clubs like Watford, Birmingham City, and Manchester United, spoke openly about the challenges and luxuries that come with being an injured player. Despite the obvious physical strain and frustration that accompanies an injury, Foster pointed out that the life of a sidelined footballer can, paradoxically, sometimes be less stressful than that of a fully fit player.

 

“When you’re injured, normally, your weekends are free. Honestly, it’s almost the easiest part of being a footballer,” Foster remarked. “You work all week, you haven’t got a game to go for on Saturday, and it’s like, we can go shopping, we can do anything. It’s easy street. It really is easy street.”

 

For many footballers, a typical weekend involves intense preparation and the pressure of performing in front of thousands of fans. But for injured players, the matchday experience is vastly different. There are no nerves before kick-off, no physical demands to meet on the pitch, and no worries about the result. Instead, injured players can relax, catch up with personal life, and take a break from the intensity of the football schedule.

 

Despite this, Foster quickly acknowledged that being injured comes with its own set of challenges. While the physical pain and frustration of being sidelined are ever-present, there is also the mental toll of not being able to contribute to the team in the same way. Footballers thrive on competition, performance, and the camaraderie of being with their teammates. When injured, they are often removed from this core aspect of their identity.

 

Yet, Foster’s point was that the time off could be seen as an opportunity to take a step back and focus on other aspects of life, something that would be rare for players who are constantly in action. “It’s easy street, but it’s a lonely place when you’re not out there playing with your mates,” he concluded.

 

Tony Pulis’ Rigid Approach to Injured Players

 

Ben Foster drew attention to the more demanding and strict approach used by former Premier League manager Tony Pulis, particularly when it came to dealing with injured players. Foster had the experience of working under Pulis at both Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, and he revealed that the manager was known for making life uncomfortable for those sidelined due to injury.

 

“Tony Pulis used to make it miserable for injured players. Miserable! Nobody wanted to be injured. He would make you do double sessions. He’d make you travel to every single game, home and away. You’d have to be in the changing room before, after the game, shooting a boot,” Foster recalled. “Just so you know that you’re not having an easy time.”

 

Pulis’ methods were based on discipline and maintaining a strong sense of responsibility within the team. The injured players were expected to be present for every match, even though they could not participate on the pitch. They were made to be involved in the team’s pre-match and post-match rituals to foster unity and ensure that they remained committed to the squad despite their physical setbacks. For Foster, this approach wasn’t just about staying fit—it was about mental resilience and keeping players mentally engaged while they were sidelined.

 

While Pulis’ methods were tough, they also had a long-term psychological benefit. The idea behind forcing injured players to stay involved with the squad was to make them feel like an integral part of the team, rather than sidelined and forgotten. The discipline instilled by Pulis meant that players remained engaged and committed, even when their bodies weren’t able to participate physically.

 

In Foster’s view, Pulis’ philosophy made players think twice before wishing for an injury break, as they knew they would face not only physical rehab but also mental and emotional strain. It created an environment in which players could never truly escape the demands of the game.

 

Ruben Amorim’s Modern Approach to Injured Players

 

Fast forward to today, and the approach towards injured players has evolved with the times, with managers like Ruben Amorim at the forefront of a more holistic and nurturing method. Foster made it clear that he saw similarities between Amorim’s approach at Manchester United and Pulis’ discipline, but he emphasized that Amorim’s method was more about fostering inclusivity and creating a sense of team cohesion, rather than simply punishing the injured players for being sidelined.

 

“I want to see that as well. That’s exactly what Amorim is doing as well. He’s making all the injured players travel, part of the squad, you’re with everything,” Foster explained.

 

Under Amorim’s philosophy, the injured players are not left out or made to feel disconnected from the team. Instead, they are included in the matchday experience, traveling with the squad and remaining part of the team’s collective energy. This approach creates a sense of shared responsibility and ensures that injured players stay mentally involved, working towards their recovery and returning to the squad stronger than ever.

 

This level of inclusivity can be incredibly motivating for players who are recovering from injury. Instead of isolating them from the squad, Amorim ensures they remain integrated into team activities, from traveling with the squad to sitting in the stands during matches. In this environment, the injured players can watch their teammates perform on the pitch and feel the energy and urgency of a competitive match. The emotional connection to the team remains intact, and they are reminded of the importance of their role when they return to fitness.

 

“You get to watch your mate on the pitch and go, ‘I want to be there. I’m going to do whatever I need to do to get back as quickly as I possibly can,’” Foster added.

 

This drive and sense of purpose that is cultivated by Amorim’s methods create an atmosphere where injured players remain motivated throughout their recovery period. Being surrounded by their teammates and being part of the squad’s journey provides them with a clear sense of the team’s collective goals, further fueling their determination to return to fitness as soon as possible.

 

The Impact on Manchester United

 

The approach taken by Amorim, as mentioned by Ben Foster, can have a profound impact on the recovery and reintegration of injured players into the squad. Players like Mason Mount and Luke Shaw, who are currently recovering from injuries, can benefit from this sense of inclusion, as it fosters a team-first mentality and keeps them focused on their goal of returning to the pitch.

 

By maintaining this connection with the squad, these players will be able to re-enter the fold without feeling like outsiders. They will feel supported by their teammates, and the recovery process will be seen not just as a physical challenge, but as a journey they undertake with the team. This sense of camaraderie is invaluable in professional football, where the pressure to perform and the mental strain of being sidelined can often be underestimated.

 

In the long run, Amorim’s methods can help Manchester United in their pursuit of success. Keeping injured players mentally engaged and physically motivated ensures that when they do return, they will be ready to contribute at the highest level. Furthermore, the sense of unity and togetherness that this approach fosters will only strengthen the squad’s bond, making them even more formidable on the pitch.

 

Conclusion: The Modern Approach to Managing Injured Players

 

Ben Foster’s candid comments on the experiences of injured players provide valuable insight into the mental and emotional challenges that sidelined footballers face. While the time off may seem like “easy street” in comparison to the rigors of matchday, the psychological toll can be immense. Managers like Tony Pulis and Ruben Amorim have taken different approaches to keeping injured players involved, but both have recognized the importance of maintaining team cohesion and unity throughout the recovery process.

 

In today’s modern footballing world, managers who understand the importance of supporting injured players, like Amorim, are helping to create environments where players feel valued and motivated to return to their best. It is clear that, for Amorim and Manchester United, the team is the focus—and whether on the pitch or recoveri

ng from injury, every player is a part of that journey.