Manchester United are missing key Erik ten Hag undroppable for two reasons

For possibly the first time since August, Manchester United's back-four should pick itself when Manchester City visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds' defensive department has been hampered by injury and illness-related issues since the opening month of the season, meaning it has been impossible for manager Erik ten Hag to find a settled and consistent rearguard. Three of the four members that started the opening two games of the season are expected to miss Sunday's derby, highlighting the sheer size of the problem.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw joined Raphael Varane in forming the back-four for United's opening two Premier League outings this season, starting the win over Wolves and defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, but only the latter is currently fit. Shaw was the first casualty of that quartet, suffering a muscle injury in the build-up to the win over Nottingham Forest.

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He's the player they've missed the most for a collection of different reasons, though two have been more noticeable than others. The England defender was virtually an ever-present figure for Ten Hag last term, either at left-back or as a makeshift centre-back.

His United career, like those of several others, was resurrected last season, benefitting from Ten Hag's elite-level coaching credentials. He made 47 appearances in total, scoring one goal and chipping in with six assists. He also made a significant contribution to the 28 clean sheets that were recorded in all competitions.

After initially losing his place to Tyrell Malacia after a shaky start