Ten Hag has some major injury problems to contend with (Picture: Danehouse/Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag is facing a major selection dilemma when Manchester United return to Premier League action against Brentford this weekend.
Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo all withdrew from international duty last week, returning to Manchester ahead of schedule for assessment.
While the severity of those knocks has not been disclosed, United fans will hope they were merely precautionary measures ahead of a frantic run of fixtures domestically and in Europe.
It is in defence where Ten Hag will have the biggest concerns. Harry Maguire has joined the injury list with a knee problem while Noussair Mazraoui is not expected to be back until next month after undergoing a minor heart procedure.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are still not available for selection and with Diogo Dalot set to shift back to his regular right-back role in the absence of Mazraoui, it leaves a slot to be filled at left-back.
36-year-old Jonny Evans could be shifted into that role where Lisandro Martinez can also feature.
17-year-old Harry Amass featured at left-back during pre-season and while his manager has tipped him to break into the first-team, the suggestions are Ten Hag and his staff have concerns over whether he his physically ready to make the step up to senior football at this stage.
Ugarte as forced off playing for Uruguay (Picture: EPA)
Including summer signing Leny Yoro, United are without five senior defensive options.
There are also concerns further up the pitch with Manuel Ugarte who was forced off playing for Uruguay in their World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.
How United could line up this weekend…
The midfielder reportedly asked to be substituted after complaining of pain in his right thigh. Ugarte has been used sparingly by Ten Hag since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, left among the subs in their last two games against Porto and Aston Villa.
Elsewhere, Mason Mount has returned to training following his latest setback.
Predicted Man XI to face Brentford
Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Evans, Martinez, Casemiro, Mainoo, Amad, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund
Where to watch Man Utd vs Brentford? Kick-off time and TV channel
Man Utd vs Brentford kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 19 October.
Given it’s kick-off slot, the Premier League match will not be broadcast live in the UK.
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Source:: Metro
