Erik ten Hag has explained that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is absent from Manchester United's matchday squad against Leeds due to illness.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed while deputising for first-choice right-back Dalot over the past few weeks but illness ruled the former Crystal Palace man out of Wednesday night's game.
Dalot, 23, has missed the past few weeks with a hamstring strain but was drafted back in for the first match of a domestic double-header for United against their arch-rivals.
Wan-Bissaka's absence left Ten Hag with little option but to thrust Dalot back into action - but the Dutchman has insisted that the Portugal international is ready to step back in after participating in training over the past few days.
Speaking prior to the match against Leeds, Ten Hag told MUTV of Dalot's inclusion: "He [Dalot] played matches [after the World Cup], but then he relapsed. Now he is ready. He trained well. He was involved in group training the last few days. I think he's ready to start."
It was also revealed that Jadon Sancho was ill earlier in the week after he was tipped to return to the starting line-up with Anthony Martial ruled out.
Ten Hag instead gave teenage hotshot Alejandro Garnacho the nod to start against Leeds - and explained that the impressive impact that the youngster has made off the bench already this season was enough to earn him a starting berth.
Join the debate! What do you think of the Man Utd team Ten Hag has selected to face Leeds? Let us know here.
"He has such an impact [from the bench] to change the game. But also, he wants to be a starter, he wants to play every minute and this is a good opportunity."
Ten Hag added: "I think previously in a lot of games when he was in the starting eleven, he was also very good."
Manchester United face Leeds again on Sunday in the Premier League and know that positive results could go a long way to consolidating their spot in the upper echelons of the league table.
United were sat in third spot, just three points behind Manchester City, ahead of Wednesday night's first match against the Whites, who sacked head coach Jesse Marsch earlier in the week.
