There are clearly deep-rooted problems within Manchester United that have led to such a disastrous start to the season.

A frail and weak mentality that Erik ten Hag seemingly eradicated has come back with a vengeance while the Glazers’ continued iron grip on the ownership is draining optimism from every level. Too many players have let their levels drop too steeply.

But it would be unfair not to mention the severe injury crisis United are suffering when discussing their torrid start to the campaign. Though things haven’t been helped by Jadon Sancho and Antony being unavailable for off-the-field issues, United have been without at least 12 players for several matches and still have a considerable number sidelined.

They have been hit particularly hard in defence, where the entire first-choice back four is currently injured as well as two additional left-backs. Ten Hag wasn’t able to name a single defender on his substitute’s bench in Saturday’s win over Brentford as he’s down the the barest of bones.

Midfield and attack have also been hit hard with Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad all missing matches. Any team in the world would feel the strain under such circumstances.

United have really struggled as a result. They currently sit down in 10th and are the only top-half team with a negative goal difference. Their Champions League campaign is already perilous, too, with zero points after the opening two fixtures.

The one bit of solace is that United have a clear light at the end of the tunnel. When everyone is back available again United should, in theory at least, be able to get back to their best and continue the progress they were on before this year’s disruption.

It’s interesting to think what Ten Hag’s strongest starting XI will look like when he has a full complement of players to choose from once more. Andre Onana will continue in goal regardless of his difficult start. The goalkeeper has already made several high-profile mistakes which has seen him come under pressure but there was bound to be growing pains and removing him from the side would be a step backwards.

The defence would look completely different to the make-shift back-line currently playing. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane would be reviving their centre-back partnership with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw manning the full-back positions.

Youngster Mainoo aside, United have all their centre-midfielders available again but it’s hard to work out what the strongest partnership is. Scott McTominay has made a case for himself after his game-winning brace against Brentford but it’s still hard to see him starting regularly.

Mount is likely to take one of the spots even if he has also had a slow start to life at Old Trafford. Then it’s between Casemiro and Amrabat for the defensive role. The Brazilian was instrumental to last season’s success but has lost a yard of pace this season and is proving costly. Amrabat might have him beaten.

Likewise, Marcus Rashford is also struggling for form in the early stages but he probably just about beats Alejandro Garnacho to the left-wing spot, with the Argentine starlet yet to shine when starting games.

Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund are the two forwards with any credit in the bank so far and both are undroppable which leaves only the right wing slot. It’s Antony’s by default at present but Amad might have something to say about it if given a chance when he returns.

Strongest United starting XI when squad fully fit: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Amrabat, Mount; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.