Manchester United’s Full-Back Crisis: Only One Senior Defender Fit for Brentford Clash
Manchester United might only have one senior full-back available when they face Brentford at Old Trafford this weekend.
As they return to Premier League action on Saturday, they are under pressure to improve their performance amid growing scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag, who still has the support of the club’s board despite the team’s struggles.
Facing a potential injury crisis, United could be without up to nine players, with their defense hit particularly hard.
Diogo Dalot is expected to start in one of the full-back positions, though his exact role will depend on who else is available to play.
Dalot has been playing primarily as a left-back this season, but he might switch back to his natural right-back position. In that case, Lisandro Martinez or Jonny Evans could fill in at left-back.
Alternatively, if Dalot remains at left-back, Victor Lindelof might step in on the right. Lindelof has performed well as a full-back, particularly when he came off the bench during the recent goalless draw against Aston Villa.
Another possibility for United would be to use a younger player at left-back while keeping Dalot on the right.
Toby Collyer, who previously played the role in the 7-0 League Cup win over Barnsley, struggled in that game, making it a risky move to rely on him against stronger opposition.
Some fans are hopeful that teenager Harry Amass might get a chance in his preferred left-back role, although Ten Hag is hesitant to use the 17-year-old, feeling he may not yet have the physicality needed for Premier League competition.
Manchester United’s Full-Back Crisis: Only One Senior Defender Fit for Brentford Clash
