Erik ten Hag has revealed that Harry Maguire has missed out on Manchester United's fixture with Burnley due to illness, forcing him to craft a makeshift centre-back partnership.
United return to competitive action for the first time since their late victory over Fulham on November 13 as they take on the Championship leaders in the Carabao Cup. Although Ten Hag has named as strong a midfield and forward line as possible, his back four is not ideal.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are both unavailable following their involvement in Sunday's thrilling World Cup final, Diogo Dalot is absent due to a hamstring injury and Maguire is not involved due to illness.
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That leaves Victor Lindelof as United's only available senior centre-back with the manager confirming midfielder Casemiro will partner the Swede in the heart of defence. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has come in for his first start of the season while Tyrell Malacia is at left-back. Youth Cup-winning captain Rhys Bennett, who impressed in United's friendlies in the break, has made the bench.
"Dalot had some complaints, he fell out of the last game for Portugal," Ten Hag explained to MUTV when asked about his problems in defence. "Harry, unfortunately, he's ill.
"It's an issue because Rapha and Licha were in the World Cup final but we pick Case, he plays more often there and also Luke [Shaw] he reported himself: 'I can play centre-half' which is really good so they are all committed and they want to play.
"They are hungry and I like that and I must say also last week Benno, Rhys Bennett, played against Everton. Played really well, so we have options still there but I'm pleased to play Case.
"It's difficult but many more managers have to deal with it. You make a plan and you deal with it as quick as possible and I think that's what we did. I feel the spirit and the energy of the players who came back and also the spirit of the team who trained really well in the last couple of weeks."
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