Erik ten Hag could have unusual selection dilemma for Manchester United vs Brighton

After 15 months in charge at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag could easily have viewed his midfield as the problem that can never be fixed.

Upon replacing Ralf Rangnick at the start of last summer, the Dutchman inherited a double-pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay and despite setting early sights on Frenkie de Jong, failed to get a deal over the line. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen did arrive but a lack of depth behind them was an issue all last season.

Midfield remained enough of a problem at the start of this summer that Ten Hag's first port of call was to spend £55million on Mason Mount. But the former Chelsea star is yet to find form and has missed the last two games through injury.

On deadline day, United secured a season-long loan deal for Sofyan Amrabat. The midfielder wasn't registered in time to face Arsenal but he did join up with his Morocco teammates for the international break, only to withdraw due to injury. Ten Hag must be cursing his luck.

ALSO READ: United might need Amrabat to help fix their biggest weakness

United put a lot of money into midfield this summer, and held high hopes of a breakthrough campaign for the young Kobbie Mainoo. But when Ten Hag took his side to the Emirates last weekend and started Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, he had little choice.

That is not to say that they are below par - in fact, most supporters still consider it United's best trio - but Ten Hag wanted to evolve that area of the pitch and so far he is yet to do so. Luckily for the Dutchman, Amrabat's fitness issue doesn't sound too serious with Morocco head coach Walid Regragui insisting his absence was just a precaution. He could well be fit to make his debut against Brighton next weekend.

Similarly,