Manchester United’s injury situation has just got a whole lot worse in the past day with two more names added to the list.
Erik ten Hag can’t catch a break at the moment, with consecutive injuries piling up primarily in defence.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and now Sergio Reguilon are all out at left-back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is missing at right back currently leaving Diogo Dalot as the sole natural option.
While Lisandro Martinez is now injured at centre-half which means United have five defenders available.
So how can we line-up with all these absences? Here are three ways…
The line-up that played v Palace
On Tuesday, Manchester United made it two clean sheets in a row against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
The defence comprised of Dalot at right-back, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire in the middle and interestingly Sofyan Amrabat at left-back.
While unconventional, it worked and led United to the best performance of the season so far.
But it might not be a long-term fix with Amrabat potentially needed in midfield.
Lindelof at full-back
Should Amrabat be required in midfield, Victor Lindelof is the perfect option to use at right-back.
The Swede has played there for his country and for Benfica in the past, with his on-ball quality lending itself well to the role.
This move could see Dalot switch to left-back where he is always brilliant, with Maguire and Varane continuing at left-back.
A complete reshape
The last option that Ten Hag will consider but one which an injury to Dalot would prompt could be a system change.
This could see United revert to a back three, with two defensive midfielders.
Maguire, Lindelof and Varane could be a good trio, with Amrabat and Casemiro ahead of them.
Although this is unlikely as Ten Hag doesn’t often change.
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