Manchester United new injury stance needs to change for two reasons

Fans are not seeing the true Manchester United. Erik ten Hag might be under pressure currently but he is right when he says he has not been able to field his strongest XI yet during his tenure.

Anthony Martial was largely the reason why last season, having missed more than 30 games including the League Cup and FA Cup final. This term’s setback problems have risen to a new level.

To have 10 players out injured is near catastrophic. At another club with a smaller squad size, they may have been in a much worse position than United.

That’s not to excuse those on the pitch at Old Trafford. United’s three star players - Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Casemiro - have all remained fit and at least two of them are underperforming.

READ MORE: United's midfield revamp now depends on two players

READ MORE: Why United are playing Burnley at 8pm

In truth, their supporting cast has either been unavailable or underwhelming. The absences of Antony and Jadon Sancho have hampered United’s options, albeit neither had offered much since the start of the season.

Raphael Varane is injured yet again while Luke Shaw has suffered an early-season setback for a second season running. Rasmus Hojlund has returned from his back problem but Sofyan Amrabat still awaits his debut as he manages his unspecified issue.

United fans will feel irked that three new signings - Mount included - have all suffered injuries at some stage already but more frustratingly, they have been given no real insight into how long they will be out for. Mount and Varane returning to training does offer hope and Ten Hag suggested they may be back against Burnley.

However, the club used terms such as ‘the first part of the season’ and ‘a few weeks’ when giving