Erik ten Hag faces nine-player crisis as he continues to fight for Man Utd future
Manchester United return to action against Brentford on Saturday week but Erik ten Hag is set to be without a host of stars in another must-win game if he is to keep his job
by Alan Smith · The MirrorErik ten Hag could be without nine first team players for Manchester United's return to action against Brentford next week.
And while the Dutchman appears to have been given a stay of execution despite United’s dismal start to the season, an upturn in results is needed quick. But halfway through the international break, Ten Hag is already facing a selection crisis that includes five defenders.
Full backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain long-term absentees, while Leny Yoro is still some way from making his competitive debut after breaking a foot in pre-season - although the France youngster is back training.
Harry Maguire confirmed earlier this week that he is set for several weeks on the sidelines after being injured away to Aston Villa last weekend, while Noussair Mazraoui is the latest to join the absentee list after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on his heart earlier this week.
Mason Mount ’s status is unclear after he came off in the defeat to Tottenham at the end of September with a head injury.
Added to that Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo were all withdrawn from international duty this week to prompt doubt over their availability.
Ten Hag survived being sacked with United’s board meeting on Tuesday to discuss his performance.
United have taken just eight points from their first seven league games and only newly promoted Southampton have scored fewer goals. But Ten Hag appears to have survived being sacked with United’s board meeting on Tuesday to discuss his performance.
After the bore draw away to Aston Villa last Sunday, the under-pressure Dutchman said: “We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through. It’s a long-term process.
“It’s external noise. Internally we’re disappointed and we know we have to do better. Especially we need to score more. But I don’t have any idea it is different, because they would tell me. We communicate and are very transparent.”
After facing Brentford on Saturday week, United face a daunting Europa League trip to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.
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