Man Utd to miss NINE players for Brentford

Updated: 11 Oct 2024 09:30 BST
3 min read

Matthijs de Ligt, Erik ten Hag, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United could be without nine players against Brentford.

Article continues under the video

Struggling boss Erik ten Hag continues to be under pressure following the club's appalling start to the 2024/25 season. The club sit 14th in the Premier League. Their latest results include a 3-0 loss by Tottenham, followed by underwhelming draws against Porto and Aston Villa.

United chiefs had a meeting earlier this week and it was reported that the future of Ten Hag was one of the main topics. They have, however, decided to stick with the Dutchman.

But with the Red Devils potentially missing up to nine first-team players in their trip to West London, the challenge will be on. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire will be out, as well as Noussair Mazraoui after he underwent a minor procedure on Thursday.

Mason Mount could also be a doubt, along with trio Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.

A piece of good luck is the fact that Bruno Fernandes will be available after his red card against Spurs was rescinded. The Portugal international slipped and raised a high foot drawing a straight red from the official against the North London side.

De Ligt woes?

© IMAGO - Matthijs de Ligt joined Man Utd in the summer.

United have spent more than €650 million on players since the arrival of Ten Hag in 2022 but progress has been slow. Matthijs de Ligt arrived for €45m from Bayern Munich, but the 25-year-old has had a mixed time at Old Trafford so far.

Yesterday, 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.”

De Ligt may have a tougher time if his former boss does join United. If Ten Hag is sacked, reports suggest that Thomas Tuchel will be taking over, the head coach who dropped De Ligt to the bench in favour of other centre-backs.