Manchester United are dealing with an injury crisis in defence with Aaron Wan-Bissaka the latest player to suffer injury.
There is a serious lack of depth at right-back, with Diogo Dalot the only available option, while loanee Sergio Reguilon is the only player available on the left.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both out of action for several weeks.
There are ways United can attempt to alleviate this, and one has already been hinted at by manager Erik ten Hag.
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Sofyan Amrabat at right-back
New signing Sofyan Amrabat has been signed to help alleviate pressure on Casemiro in midfield, and he really is needed in there.
However, Erik ten Hag has explained that he sees Amrabat as being able to offer help in defence, too.
Quoted by The MEN at the weekend before the defeat to Brighton, Erik ten Hag praised the Moroccan’s versatility.
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The Manchester United manager said: “What we missed in our squad was behind Casemiro, another one, typical holding midfielder. So with him, we have one.
“You see the overload on games, so we need a type. But also Amrabat can play alongside Casemiro, because he is also capable to play in a higher position on the pitch, also he can play as a wing-back or full-back.”
Now with Aaron Wan-Bissaka joining the injury list, Ten Hag might actually need to use Amrabat at right-back, even though it would be far from ideal, and not the reason he was signed.
Alternative solutions
Manchester United really are low on options at the position, lacking cover for Diogo Dalot.
An alternative would be to select Victor Lindelof at right-back. Ralf Rangnick did so in the Champions League, away to Atletico Madrid.
Ten Hag could try something outlandish like trying to convert Donny van de Beek to right-back, and carve out a role for him as cover.
In terms of youngsters, Habeeb Ogunneye is the under-21 starter at the position after Marc Jurado was sold to Espanyol.