Erik ten Hag is expected to be without a host of left-backs for Manchester United's crucial Premier League clash with Brentford. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined through injury, while Noussair Mazraoui is recovering.
The Red Devils face Brentford after October's FIFA Days as the pressure mounts on manager Erik ten Hag. They are bottom of the Premier League table with just eight points from their first seven games. Only newly promoted Southampton have scored fewer goals than United in the league this season.
While midfielder Mason Mount has a chance of returning to action, Ten Hag will need to reshape his defence.
Centre-back Harry Maguire is also ruled out through injury, while new signing Leny Yoro is still waiting to make his competitive debut. The former Lille man is recovering from a pre-season injury.
After the disappointing draw with Aston Villa in the 7th round of the Premier League, Ten Hag said: "I don't know anything else from the board. They should tell me directly if they intend to change the coach. We always communicate very openly, I always talk to them every week, even every day. Therefore, I look forward to talking to the board in the next few days."
Shaw and Malacia are not fully fit yet, meaning Martinez or Jonny Evans could be deployed at left-back. At centre-back, Victor Lindelof has yet to start a game this season, so Casemiro could partner De Ligt.
Ten Hag's dilemma at full-back could pose a serious threat to United's defence, with the British media also reporting this week that the Red Devils are considering a move for Alvaro Fernandez Carrera, who they sold to Benfica for £5m this summer.
The Spanish left-back has attracted interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, but United are believed to have a buy-back clause of around £16m for the 23-year-old. Alvaro Fernandez Carrera has impressed for Lisbon in recent weeks.
