Three things Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will assess during the international break

Erik ten Hag will have entered the international break with a lot less pressure on his shoulders than he might have done.

His late Scott McTominay punt against Brentford paid off beyond anything he may have hoped and he will be thanking his lucky stars that his number came up on that throw of the dice. He now has some breathing space to reflect and rejuvenate.

A trip to lowly Sheffield United awaits with the Blades rock bottom of the table with a mere point to their name. Anything but a Man Utd win at Bramall Lane will heap the heat back onto the Dutchman.

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While keeping an eye on what happens across Europe and beyond, Ten Hag will also be keen to assess his players who remain in-house. Here are three things he will wish to look at ahead of the trip to Sheffield.

Victor Lindelof was forced off with a complaint against Brentford, leaving United with just three fit defenders. It’s very much a crisis at the back at the moment.

Sergio Reguilon was unfit to start again and so Lindelof was asked to fill in at left-back as Jonny Evans came in at centre-back and Sofyan Amrabat switched back to his usual midfield role. Despite his early exit, Lindelof has still joined up with Sweden.

National team boss Janne Andersson says his medical staff will assess their captain ahead of matches against Moldova and Belgium, a Euro 2024 qualifier. Ten Hag will hope Lindelof is not rushed back too soon - the last thing needed is another long-term absentee.

The attacker has scored just once in 10 club appearances this season and has overall been disappointing this season. Marcus Rashford hit 30 goals in his most prolific