Erik ten Hag is fighting for his Manchester United future (Image: Getty)
Manchester United could be without nine players when Erik ten Hag continues the fight for his Old Trafford future against Brentford. The Dutchman is under mounting pressure to improve results after a dismal start to the season.
United are 14th in the Premier League and are yet to win in the Europa League. Their 3-0 thumping by Tottenham was followed by underwhelming draws against Porto and Aston Villa.
Ten Hag is set to keep his job beyond the October international break, though, with United chiefs reportedly failing to come to a final decision over his future. But finding a winning formula could be made even harder with the Red Devils potentially missing up to nine first-team stars for the visit of Brentford on October 19.
Long-term absentees Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire will all be absent. It is likely that Noussair Mazraoui will also miss the Premier League clash after undergoing a minor procedure on Thursday.
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Mason Mount could also be a doubt after suffering a head injury against Spurs. The midfielder has not featured since being withdrawn during that game.
In addition to those players who are likely to be absent, a United trio withdrew from international duty this week. Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo all returned to the club’s Carrington training base after being excused by their nations.
It leaves Ten Hag scrambling to pick a team for United’s match against Brentford. Mainoo, Garnacho and Amad have all featured prominently in United’s starting line-ups this term.
Man Utd trio Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo all withdrew from international duty (Image: Getty)
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Some good news for the Red Devils head coach is that Bruno Fernandes will be available having had his red card against Spurs overturned. The Brentford game was set to be the second of the three-match ban he was initially given after seeing red at Old Trafford.
United are widely expected to keep Ten Hag in charge but they expect the former Ajax boss to turn around the club’s form. According to the Independent, there are considerable differences in opinion among the club’s hierarchy over the contingency plan should the 54-year-old be sacked.
Thomas Tuchel is said to be a name under consideration if the axe does fall on Ten Hag. INEOS figures spoke with the former Chelsea head coach during the summer as they explored all their options, but they could not reach an agreement.
