Ten Hag makes SHOCK call for Brentford match

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 14 Oct 2024 16:17 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be without five defenders for Saturday's visit to Brentford to Old Trafford.

The Dutchman will go to the match without up to nine first-team players, but most of the issues lie with his backline.

Ten Hag is without left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, as well as Noussair Mazraoui, who can operate on both sides. Central defenders Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are out, with the Mirror stating that Ten Hag will use Jonny Evans the left-back.

The 36-year-old has played there before and it's thought that Diogo Dalot will be moved back to his favoured position at right-back.

Another idea mooted is to play Lisandro Martinez at left-back and have Evans and Matthijs De Ligt in central defence. Toby Collyer at left-back is another option. Mason Mount could also be a doubt, along with the trio Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.

Ten Hag is looking to avoid a third straight defeat in the league with United's game at the Community Stadium in West London, but his selection woes may give Brentford an edge.

A piece of good luck is the fact that Bruno Fernandes will be available after his red card against Spurs was rescinded.

De Ligt woes?

De Ligt arrived for €45m from Bayern Munich, but his form so far has been mixed.

Last week, the Daily Mail claimed Bayern were concerned over De Ligt’s ‘flexibility’ before he moved to England.

“There was a feeling at Bayern that between De Ligt leaving Ajax for Juventus and then arriving at Bayern that he lost his flexibility and speed because he spent too much time in the gym,” the source is quoted as saying. “There was little positivity about him from Bayern.£