Erik ten Hag is going through a variety disaster in defence as Manchester United put together to host Brentford of their first recreation after the October worldwide break.
The Dutchman stays underneath important strain after main the Pink Devils to their worst begin to a Premier League season ever, securing solely eight factors from seven video games to take a seat 14th in England’s prime flight.
Ten Hag’s key attackers like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have all misfired, whereas heavy defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have uncovered some obvious points on the again.
United haven’t been helped by a frustratingly lengthy damage checklist, an issue which additionally plagued them all through 2023/24, and the 13-time Premier League winners could possibly be with out as many as ten senior squad members when Brentford go to Outdated Trafford on Saturday.
A significant downside space has been at left-back. Diogo Dalot has usually stuffed in away from his extra favoured proper flank because of accidents to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, however the state of affairs has been exacerbated by Noussair Mazraoui’s enforced absence.
The Morocco worldwide underwent a precautionary process on his coronary heart in the course of the worldwide break and is anticipated again earlier than the following pause for nationwide crew fixtures in November.
Within the meantime, nonetheless, Ten Hag must discover another at left-back with Shaw, Malacia and Mazraoui all unavailable this weekend.
17-year-old Harry Amass featured within the first-team throughout pre-season and will get the prospect to make his aggressive debut for the senior aspect, whereas Victor Lindelof has been deployed at left-back when wanted previously.
The Swede made his first league look of the season within the goalless draw with Aston Villa earlier this month however performed at right-back, with Dalot staying on the left.
On prime of the left-back conundrum, Ten Hag can be with out Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire, whereas there are additional doubts over the health of Garnacho, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo. There are additionally fears over Manuel Ugarte, who suffered an damage whereas taking part in for Uruguay.