Erik ten Hag denied potential Manchester United solution because of FIFA transfer rule

Erik ten Hag is facing a new challenge at Manchester United as he may have to finish the season without a senior left-back.

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both injured, while FIFA rules mean that Alvaro Fernandez can't be called back from his loan at Benfica. Fernandez, who has previously played for Preston North End and Granada, was loaned to Benfica in January with an option for the Portuguese club to buy him.

But now, with Shaw and Malacia injured, United might wish they hadn't let him go. Because of FIFA rules around transfers, they can't bring Fernandez back to Old Trafford.

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Players can only play for two clubs in one season and Fernandez has already played for Granada and Benfica this year. If certain conditions are met during his loan, Benfica will have to buy the 20-year-old.

Even if those conditions aren't met, Benfica will still have the option to sign him permanently for a modest fee. The Spain under-21 international might have been the answer for Ten Hag after Shaw picked up a muscle injury that could keep him out of action for the next 'few months'.

A brief statement issued by United earlier in the week said: "Luke Shaw has sustained a muscle injury and will be out for an extended period. Further assessment is still needed to determine the severity but we expect him to be absent for a few months."

Malacia was brought in to compete with Shaw in 2022, but a persistent knee problem has stopped the Dutchman from playing a single competitive game this season. Some United fans have suggested bringing back Brandon Williams from his loan