Three of Erik ten Hag's signings are fighting for same place in Manchester United team

It is impossible to analyse Manchester United this season without making strong reference to the unfortunate injury situation they find themselves in.

There have been 32 separate injuries or illnesses that have contributed to a player missing a match for the club this season, with Raphael Varane being the latest with his absence at the London Stadium yesterday.

United have felt those hardest in defence. Jonny Evans and Willy Kambwala were the 10th different centre-back pairing used by the club already this season. Neither would even be guaranteed a place on the bench if they had a fully fit backline to choose from.

PLAYER RATINGS: Kambwala good and Antony poor

MATCH REACTION: Weghorst blames Ten Hag for lack of goals

It isn't quite the same in midfield, though. There is a narrative that United have been makeshift in midfield, which is true by last season's standards but not necessarily by those of the current campaign.

Casemiro was poor before his latest injury setback and wouldn't start on merit; Christian Eriksen remains a deluxe version of Juan Mata, who was best suited to playing against weaker opposition; and Mason Mount just hasn't got started at all in a United shirt.

A lack of fit midfielders has been a convenient excuse, but even when the midfield is fully fit, there is a growing argument that it would be exactly the same as the one that started against West Ham on Saturday lunchtime.

Bruno Fernandes is the club captain and guaranteed a start so long as he is available; Scott McTominay is the top scorer this season; and Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation to the side since he returned from injury.

Mainoo continued his steady development with another impressive performance at the base of the United midfield