When Manchester United plays Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, Erik ten Hag will have a lot on his mind.
The 0-0 draw with Aston Villa before the international break forced the withdrawal of Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui.
Due to a foot issue, Maguire hobbled off in the first half, and Mazraoui did not return for the second half. After feeling palpitations, it has since been established that the latter has had a modest corrective treatment as a precaution.
The right-back is anticipated to miss the next few weeks of action after being forced to leave the Morocco squad for their games during this international break. Maguire, who stated last week on Instagram that he anticipates being sidelined “for a few weeks,” is also considering a brief stint on the sidelines.
United’s defence was already severely overworked, especially at full-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still sidelined. This season, Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui have carried out nearly all of the heavy lifting on either side of the centre-backs.
Shaw’s recuperation from a calf injury was going well, according to manager Ten Hag prior to the international break. However, he did not provide any assurance that he would be available for Brentford’s visit. Nonetheless, he is anticipated to make a comeback sometime during the upcoming schedule.
In addition to missing Mazraoui and Maguire this weekend, United will also be without Leny Yoro, another defender. Since July, the former Lille player has been out due to a fractured metatarsal. But he’s recovering nicely, just like Shaw and Malacia.
However, November is mentioned as a potential time for his return, therefore United will be without him this weekend. He is the lone summer addition to the team who hasn’t yet made his competitive debut.
Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad are among the players whose availability for the match against Thomas Frank’s team is currently in doubt; United has not officially confirmed their status.
Due to knocks, Garnacho and Amad resigned from their international duties; nonetheless, neither of these issues is regarded as significant. When Ten Hag has his pre-game press conference on Thursday, he will most likely provide an update on the two.
United has not yet provided an update on Mainoo’s condition after he was substituted out against Villa in the closing minutes. Due to a head injury sustained during the 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, Mount has missed the last two games.
