Is it me, or do injuries occur at a much higher rate than if you're half way through a season?

In my case I've just started season 2008/09 with Manchester United.
And i have 6 players out for +1 month. At my very first season i had 5 players out for +1 month (not counting the players who we're already out.)

Me too, but it's because they come back from holidays out of shape and I put them on a high-fitness schedule to get them in shape for the new season. It's inevitable that some will tweak muscles etc.

I don't have a problem with that, but if you do then reduce the intensity of the training.