Erik ten Hag faces a selection crisis in defense as Manchester United prepare to host Brentford in their first match after the October international break.
The Dutchman remains under significant pressure after leading the Red Devils to their worst start to a Premier League season, securing just eight points from seven games to sit 14th in the English top flight.
Ten Hag’s main attackers, such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, have all misfired, while heavy defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have exposed glaring problems at the back.
United have not been helped by a frustratingly long injury list, a problem which has also plagued them throughout 2023/24, and the 13th time Premier League The winners could be left without ten senior squad members when Brentford travel to Old Trafford on Saturday.
Left-back is a major problem. Diogo Dalot has often replaced his preferred right flank due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but the situation was exacerbated by the enforced absence of Noussair Mazraoui.
The Moroccan international underwent a precautionary procedure on his heart during the international break and is expected to return before the next break for national team matches in November.
However, in the meantime, Ten witches will have to find an alternative at left-back with Shaw, Malacia and Mazraoui all unavailable this weekend.
Harry Amass, 17, has been part of the first team during pre-season and could be given the chance to make his competitive debut with the senior team, while Victor Lindelof was deployed at left back when this was necessary in the past.
The Swede made his first league appearance of the season goalless draw against Aston Villa earlier this month but played at right back, with Dalot remaining on the left.
As well as the left-back conundrum, Ten Hag are also without Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire, while there are further fitness doubts over Garnacho, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo. There are also fears regarding Manuel Ugarte, who was injured while playing for Uruguay.
