Why Manchester United haven't recalled Alvaro Fernandez to solve left-back dilemma

05.10.2023 - 14:55 manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester United's ongoing defensive crisis looks set to continue when they host Brentford in the Premier League this weekend.

Erik ten Hag's side has experienced rotten luck with injuries so far this season, with five senior defenders currently sidelined due to a number of different issues.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out with a hamstring injury, and Lisandro Martinez requires surgery for an ongoing foot concern. United are also without all three of their senior options at left-back with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw sidelined, as is Sergio Reguilon, who was signed as a short-term replacement in the summer transfer window after their respective injuries. READ NEXT: How United should line up with three stars dropped due to poor form OPINION: Ten Hag has an advantage past managers lacked during crises Their options are even further reduced by the summer decision to allow promising young left-back Alvaro Fernandez to join Granada on loan for the full season.

The Manchester Evening News revealed at the time that United's ongoing defensive crisis was not going to alter their plans to loan him out given they were confident of securing a replacement on loan.

STARS UPS Luke Shaw Sergio Reguilon Tyrell Malacia Spain

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Andre Onana and Harry Maguire were the unlikely heroes as Manchester United kickstarted their Champions League campaign by beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 on the night Bobby Charlton was remembered at Old Trafford. Much-maligned centre-back Maguire headed in the only goal 18 minutes from time before Onana saved Jordan Larsson's penalty with the last kick of the game. The English giants had lost their opening two Champions League group games for the first time in the club's history, but are back in contention for the last 16 thanks to a much-needed win.

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Jim Ratcliffe could have a major say in Manchester United if he buys a minority stake in the club

MANCHESTER, England: If British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe is successful in his attempt to buy a minority stake in Manchester United, he could end up with a major say in the running of the underperforming club. The owner of petrochemicals giant Ineos appears to be ready to invest in the storied English soccer club after rival Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar said over the weekend he was withdrawing from the bidding process. Ratcliffe is trying to buy a 25 percent share of United and also wants to run soccer operations, a person with knowledge of the proposal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. United’s American owners, the Glazer family, in November announced plans to seek outside investment that could have resulted in the sale of the 20-time English league champions. Ratcliffe initially bid for the family’s controlling stake of about 69 percent, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim wanted 100 percent of the club. With the process dragging on beyond an expected completion date of June, Ratcliffe has adjusted his offer and that could pave the way to him becoming a co-owner of the club he has supported since he was a child. THE PROPOSAL Ratcliffe’s bid would mean the Glazers, who also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, remain in control of United.