Manchester United could have eight defenders missing through injury or suspension for tomorrow’s game against Arsenal.
Ashley Young’s booking against Southampton means he will be suspended for the encounter with seven other players struggling with knocks and longer-term injuries.
Some supporters were not particularly optimistic about United’s chances when they face the Gunners:
How did that happen so fast? Literally we had full fit squad a week ago.
— Medhane Asefaw (@medhane98) 3 December 2018
This could be ugly.
— Jeff Kirwan (@Jefnoski) 3 December 2018
Remember when we beat Arsenal 8:2? Arsenal had a number of players suspended and injured in defence, honestly wouldn’t surprise me if we lost by the same amount of goals, especially seeing as their attack is in such sharp form.
— Validus Emberr (@ad_belcher1998) 4 December 2018
Defenders are struggling and I can't imagine makeshift defenders competing with Aubameyang & Lacazette. It was an atrocious match vs Saints.
— Silvestre Carvalho (@Silcar2013) 3 December 2018
When there’s no Shaw, Bailly and Lindelöf…. pic.twitter.com/cvpyliUplr
— Himmatt?? (@FootyHimmatt7) 4 December 2018
It never rains but it pours #mufc
— James (@J4ME11) 3 December 2018
Others were more upbeat about the possibility of getting the three points:
We’ll still beat them!
— Hal Demiri (@haldemiri) 3 December 2018
Play the youths
— M (@MUFCKCFC) 3 December 2018
At least Dalot might get a start
— Red Devils Lowdown (@RDLowdown) 3 December 2018
Dalot and Rojo can start then
— JuggernautSA (@SaJuggernaut) 3 December 2018
Best form of defence..attack..attack..attack…
— vallie (@vallie_001) 4 December 2018
Diogo Dalot looks almost certain to start at right back with Young suspended and Antonio Valencia’s fitness in doubt.
On the left-hand side, it seems Luke Shaw will be touch and go for the match, and with Matteo Darmian also carrying an injury, fans will be hoping the England international passes a fitness test.
The biggest question marks are in the centre of defence. Phil Jones was the last centre back that had remained fit but he also picked up an unspecified injury against the Saints. A three-man defence that includes Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay may be on the cards again.
However, Eric Bailly (back) and Chris Smalling (foot) could well be fit with neither injury said to be serious, but we’ll just have to wait and see tomorrow evening.
