Erik ten Hag faces nine-player crisis as he continues to fight for Man Utd future

Erik ten Hag could be without nine first team players for return to action against Brentford next week.

And while the Dutchman appears to have been given a stay of execution despite United’s dismal start to the season, an upturn in results is needed quick. But halfway through the international break, Ten Hag is already facing a selection crisis that includes five defenders.

Full backs and Tyrell Malacia remain long-term absentees, while Leny Yoro is still some way from making his competitive debut after breaking a foot in pre-season - .

confirmed earlier this week that he is set for s last weekend, while Noussair Mazraoui is the latest to join the absentee list after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on his heart earlier this week.

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’s status is unclear after he came off in the defeat to at the end of September with a head injury.

Added to that , Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo were all withdrawn from international duty this week to prompt doubt over their availability.

Ten Hag survived being sacked with United’s board meeting on Tuesday to discuss his performance.

United have taken just eight points from their first seven league games and only newly promoted have scored fewer goals. But Ten Hag appears to have survived being sacked with United’s board meeting on Tuesday to discuss his performance.

After the bore draw away to Aston Villa last Sunday, the under-pressure Dutchman said: “We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through. It’s a long-term process.

“It’s external noise. Internally we’re disappointed and we know we have to do better. Especially we need to score more. But I don’t have any idea it is different, because they would tell me. We communicate and are very transparent.”

After facing Brentford on Saturday week, United face a daunting trip to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.

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