Man United are replicating Man City in the transfer market - and there's one clear reason why

Even with five injuries to contend with, the Manchester United squad against Fulham was strong enough that two international wingers were omitted.

Facundo Pellistri is unlikely to be named in a United matchday party again and several supporters will hope Jadon Sancho's absence extends to Brighton and beyond. Erik ten Hag clarified Sancho was fit enough to be involved on Friday evening, despite suffering an ear infection last week.

Ideally, United would recruit three more players. Realistically, it will be one - a midfielder. If Pellistri and Sancho both go, United have first and second-choice wingers on both flanks. Ditto the peripheral Hannibal Mejbri; Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount are ahead of him as No.10s.

Victor Lindelof has played two halves of football since he reported for pre-season six weeks ago and done minimal training. He was nursing a "niggle" and then came off against Liverpool as a "precaution". Now he is on crutches. That's a nasty niggle.

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Lindelof, 30, is borderline unsellable. He missed 21 games last season through injury, has started this season out injured and is out of contract next year. Takers will not be queuing around the block.

United at least have four senior centre halves in his absence. The enforced withdrawals of Noussair Mazraoui and Harry Maguire (both building up their fitness) in the 81st minute could have destabilised the defence against Fulham. Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans ensured United's shop remained shut after Joshua Zirkzee scored. Leny Yoro will return after the clocks go back.

Provided Luke Shaw does not suffer an umpteenth setback, he is