Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, faces another hurdle ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round showdown with Crystal Palace. Sergio Reguilon, who had to withdraw during United’s recent victory over Burnley, was notably absent as the squad gathered at Old Trafford.
The defending champions of the Carabao Cup, the Red Devils, are beginning their campaign to retain the title, which they secured seven months ago under the leadership of Ten Hag at Wembley Stadium. However, the Dutch manager may once again have to assemble a weakened lineup due to a selection crisis that has contributed to their rocky start to the season.
While the return of Harry Maguire and Mason Mount provided some hope, the absence of Sergio Reguilon complicates matters for Ten Hag. The Spanish left-back, who joined on loan from Tottenham Hotspur just before the transfer deadline, has been a key part of the squad, starting in three consecutive games.
Unfortunately, Reguilon reportedly missed training on Monday, casting doubt over his availability for the Crystal Palace clash. This leaves Ten Hag with a challenging decision to make in a position that has been plagued by injuries.
Reguilon joins Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia as unavailable left-back options, creating an unprecedented predicament for the manager in the early stages of the campaign. This setback further intensifies the pressure on Ten Hag, who is grappling with a series of challenges as he strives to steer Manchester United back on course.
It’s worth noting that Reguilon had to withdraw from the Burnley match due to illness, highlighting his commitment and determination to contribute to the team despite his condition. Ten Hag acknowledged this spirit, stating, “He was ill but wanted to play, wanted to support and contribute for the team,” during an interview with TNT Sports.