Erik ten Hag gives update on makeshift defence for Manchester United vs Brentford

Raphael Varane is absent from Manchester United's squad to play Brentford on Saturday because he's picked up a 'minor issue'.

United need a win against Brentford following consecutive defeats against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, but Varane is unavailable for the game and Erik ten Hag has been forced to start a makeshift backline for the clash.

Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot will start the game and there are no defenders named on the bench.

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Lindelof, who is a natural centre-back, is playing at right-back and Dalot has started on the other side of the backline.

United have conceded 18 goals in 10 games in all competitions already this season, which is their most at the start of a campaign since 1966-67 and they will be desperate to keep a clean sheet against Brentford.

Ten Hag explained his team selection to MUTV ahead of kick-off and said: "We don't have many choices there [defence], but Rapha has a minor issue and he couldn't make the game. We've set up with Jonny and Harry Maguire.

"They know each other, they have played many times together and have been successful, so they are reliable centre-backs. We can do everything in between quite good, but it's in the boxes that is decisive.

"You have to be so focused, so organised and help each other there."

Ten Hag was asked about Rasmus Hojlund and added: "We are so convinced he can do it and I said before, many times, he needs time, You see the progress is coming and the team needs to get results.

"I'm sure in our attacking game, it will go more fluid, smooth and other players will get goal scoring opportunities, but we are very pleased with