Manchester United could be without 7 defenders vs Man City

Manchester United face a defensive dilemma ahead of their Community Shield clash with Man City this weekend.

Erik ten Hag's side will look for a repeat of their FA Cup final performance when they face their noisy neighbours at Wembley stadium on Saturday, but head into the match with doubts surrounding seven senior defenders.

Leny Yoro has been ruled out for three months after undergoing surgery on a foot injury, while Harry Maguire missed the final pre-season friendly fixture against Liverpool last weekend. Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were both withdrawn at half-time of the 3-0 defeat in South Carolina and Lisandro Martinez only returned to training on Monday.

United also have concerns at full-back with Tyrell Malacia a long-term absentee while Luke Shaw has also only just returned to training and might not be fit enough to start the game this weekend. It means teenager Harry Amass could be handed a surprise start in the derby clash.

Diogo Dalot returned to training last week and should be fit enough to start in either full-back role if required, though Aaron Wan-Bissaka's involvement could be impacted if his proposed sale to West Ham accelerates before the weekend. There is also some doubt over the right-back after he was replaced at half-time of the Liverpool defeat last time out.

There is further concern for United in reserve after academy graduate Will Fish was forced off with a knock in the Liverpool loss, with FA Youth Cup winning captain Rhys Bennett in line for a bench role this weekend. Ten Hag is expected to issue a fitness update on his United squad when he speaks to the press on Thursday afternoon.