Why Manchester United haven't recalled Alvaro Fernandez to solve left-back dilemma

Manchester United's ongoing defensive crisis looks set to continue when they host Brentford in the Premier League this weekend.

Erik ten Hag's side has experienced rotten luck with injuries so far this season, with five senior defenders currently sidelined due to a number of different issues. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out with a hamstring injury, and Lisandro Martinez requires surgery for an ongoing foot concern.

United are also without all three of their senior options at left-back with Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw sidelined, as is Sergio Reguilon, who was signed as a short-term replacement in the summer transfer window after their respective injuries.

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Their options are even further reduced by the summer decision to allow promising young left-back Alvaro Fernandez to join Granada on loan for the full season.

The Manchester Evening News revealed at the time that United's ongoing defensive crisis was not going to alter their plans to loan him out given they were confident of securing a replacement on loan. It is also understood United do not have an option to cut Fernandez's spell in Spain short at this moment of time, though there is a break clause in the deal to recall him in January if required.

United have included these mid-season break clauses in a vast number of recent loan agreements so that they can reassess their success and make any alterations if required.

Fernandez has made a decent start to life with the La Liga club, featuring in three of the five league matches he has been eligible for since joining.

United will reassess the risk element of Reguilon's muscular