Erik ten Hag finds defensive injury crisis on Manchester United return

Erik ten Hag’s side have made their worst ever Premier League start(Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was back to work on Monday after surviving the latest threat to his job at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ 0-0 draw with Aston Villa before the international break confirmed the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.

That draw was the second in succession in all competitions, following a 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League.

United’s powerbrokers met twice during the international break – once at Old Trafford and once in London.

Though the meetings were pre-planned, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s presence at Villa Park for the draw with Unai Emery’s side did not go unnoticed.

United have made no public announcement since the meetings – seeming to confirm that there will be no change in Ten Hag’s position.

Ten Hag has 18 months left on his deal (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

The Dutchman spent some time in his homeland during the international break but returned to Carrington – United’s training ground – on Monday to prepare for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford.

It’s a must-win game against the Bees but Ten Hag faces an injury crisis in defence.

United lost Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui during the draw at Villa, as Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt were dropped to the bench.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are not fully fit, meaning Martinez or Jonny Evans could have to be deployed at left-back.

At centre-back, Victor Lindelof is yet to start a match this season so Casemiro could be deployed alongside De Ligt.

Diogo Dalot, who has started every game at left-back this term, is likely to switch to the right.

There was better news in midfield as Mason Mount returned to training, having missed the draws with Porto and Villa.

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