Erik ten Hag is facing a selection crisis in defence as Manchester United prepare to host Brentford in their first game 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 ever, securing only eight points from seven games to sit 14th in England’s top flight.
Ten Hag’s key attackers like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have all misfired, while heavy defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have exposed some glaring issues at the back.
United have not been helped by a frustratingly long injury list, a problem which also plagued them throughout 2023/24, and the 13-time Premier League winners could be without as many as ten senior squad members when Brentford visit Old Trafford on Saturday.
A major problem area has been at left-back. Diogo Dalot has often filled in away from his more favoured right flank due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but the situation has been exacerbated by Noussair Mazraoui’s enforced absence.
The Morocco international underwent a precautionary procedure on his heart during the international break and is expected back before the next pause for national team fixtures in November.
In the meantime, however, Ten Hag will have to find an alternative at left-back with Shaw, Malacia and Mazraoui all unavailable this weekend.
17-year-old Harry Amass featured in the first-team during pre-season and may get the chance to make his competitive debut for the senior side, while Victor Lindelof has been deployed at left-back when needed in the past.
The Swede made his first league appearance of the season in the goalless draw with Aston Villa earlier this month but played at right-back, with Dalot staying on the left.
On top of the left-back conundrum, Ten Hag is also without Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire, while there are further doubts over the fitness of Garnacho, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo. There are also fears over Manuel Ugarte, who suffered an injury while playing for Uruguay.
