Diogo Dalot was dealt a double World Cup blow on Saturday when he was forced off before full-time as Portugal were upset by Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The prognosis of the setback is not yet known but the defender came off with what looked like a hamstring problem. It’s uncertain whether Dalot will be fit enough to play for United upon the season’s resumption, which begins with a League Cup clash against Burnley on December 21.
If he is indeed sidelined then Erik ten Hag is presented with a problem he’s feared since the summer transfer window closed. There is no clear favoured back-up for Dalot and United are expected to dip into the January market to find one.
READ MORE: Manchester United make decisions on Dalot's contract
But there are three games to play before the new year with Nottingham Forest and Wolves to play in the Premier League post-Burnley. Dalot has featured in every United game he’s been available for this season and has grown terrifically under his new boss so his loss would be felt.
However, Ten Hag has several options at his disposal. Victor Lindelof may perhaps have been an outside consideration but with both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez making it to the World Cup final, they may not even be back in time for Forest, so the Swede will be needed at centre-half.
There are four other avenues Ten Hag could go down, though.
Tyrell Malacia
Malacia did not get onto the pitch for the Netherlands at the World Cup, meaning his last appearance came against Fulham in the final fixture before the break when he played right-back.
Dalot had picked up a yellow card suspension for the contest and so Malacia was asked to fill in. His manager branded his display as “great” despite being caught out for Fulham’s equaliser and understandably not looking altogether comfortable during the game.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The Englishman is the obvious choice on paper considering he is the only other first-team right-back currently at the club. However, in reality he is not favoured by Ten Hag having played just four minutes of competitive football under him.
Wan-Bissaka played in the mid-season friendly losses to Cadiz and Real Betis but failed to impress, so it would be a surprise to see the 25-year-old on the teamsheet.
Brandon Williams
The left-back also featured in both Spain fixtures after recovering from a long-term problem and does have the ability to switch flanks. He’s played on the right 12 times for United and doesn’t have a bad record in the position, losing just two of those matches.
The risk is that, aside from it not being his natural position, the youngster has not played competitive football since the start of May while on loan at Norwich. Given their relegation woes, Williams has not recorded a win after starting a game since February so confidence may also be a factor.
Ethan Laird
An unlikely candidate and a choice that would certainly be unpopular at Queens Park Rangers. The 21-year-old has been integral to the club’s set-up this season, playing 18 of the 19 Championship matches he’s been available for.
United have a recall clause in his loan contract and would do a lot worse than bringing him into the set-up although it may be too early to start him in first-team games yet.
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