Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes admission as Erik ten Hag faces injury nightmare
Erik ten Hag might have nine players out for Manchester United's Premier League game against Brentford next weekend as captain Bruno Fernandes makes worrying but honest admission
by Alan Smith · The MirrorErik ten Hag could be without nine first team players for Manchester United's return to action against Brentford next week.
And while the Dutchman appears to have been given a stay of execution despite United’s dismal start to the season, an upturn in results is needed quick. But halfway through the international break, Ten Hag is already facing a selection crisis that includes five defenders.
Full back Alvaro Fernandez, meanwhile, was allowed to leave Old Trafford in the summer for £5m but his recent performances for Benfica have been so good that he is now attracting the attention of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
And to compound matters for Ten Hag captain Bruno Fernandes has also spoken out about recent transfer interest shown in him and why not all is well at Old Trafford.
Bruno problems
Bruno Fernandes admits that things at Manchester United are 'not positive' - and has opened up on how he could've quit Old Trafford this summer.
Fernandes, 30, rejected offers from across Europe and Saudi Arabia in favour of signing a lucrative new contract with United , keeping him at the club until 2027. Barcelona , Bayern Munich and Al-Nassr were all linked with a move but in August, the Red Devils captain chose to commit his future to United.
Fernandes signed his new three-year deal with the hope that under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe , the club will soon return to their former glories. But 11 games into the new season, United have mustered up just three wins, leaving boss Erik ten Hag under intense pressure and Ratcliffe's regime facing criticism .
But not everything is going to plan.
Injury nightmare
Ten hag has an injury nightmare to contend with - particularly at the back.
Full backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain long-term absentees, while Leny Yoro is still some way from making his competitive debut after breaking a foot in pre-season - although the France youngster is back training.
Harry Maguire confirmed earlier this week that he is set for several weeks on the sidelines after being injured away to Aston Villa last weekend, while Noussair Mazraoui is the latest to join the absentee list after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on his heart earlier this week.
And there are four other stars who may be doubts for the Bees.
Transfer mistake
Barcelona and Real Madrid are both interested in making a move for Alvaro Fernandez, the full back who Manchester United let go for only £5million last summer.
Now at Benfica, the 21-year-old has impressed to the extent that the Spanish giants have had their interest piqued.
Fernandez joined the Lisbon club on loan halfway through last season and they triggered a clause to make the deal permanent for a fee described as peanuts at the time by disgruntled United fans. And Portuguese daily O Jogo have reported that Barca and Real are looking at Fernandez, who has played every minute of Benfica's past seven games.
Although United might have a buyback clause that they can exploit.
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