Matthijs de Ligt suffered a worrying head collision in the early stages of Manchester United's Premier League clash against Brentford this afternoon. The Red Devils defender was left bloodied after colliding with Brentford striker Kevin Schade's knee, prompting a lengthy delay at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag restored De Ligt to his starting line-up after dropping his £43million summer signing to the bench at Aston Villa last time out.
The Dutchman partnered Jonny Evans in between Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez but appeared at risk of an early withdrawal after a sickening clash with Schade.
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In the 10th minute, the Bees attacker used his knee to control a loose ball under pressure from De Ligt on the edge of the United area.
De Ligt arrived late while attempting to clear the danger with a diving header, causing him to collide head-first into Schade's knee rather than the ball.
The United No. 4 was grounded for a prolonged period, receiving treatment on his heavily bloodied head in a worrying turn of events.
Ten Hag ordered Victor Lindelof to warm up as medical staff saw to De Ligt, and it looked like a change was inevitable as the Swede's preparations on the touchline became more vigorous.
But De Ligt was surprisingly able to continue at the heart of United's defence, slightly easing Ten Hag's injury woes.
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United were already missing four senior defenders for Brentford's visit, on top of midfield duo Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have returned to the pitch at Carrington, but both are still out of contention.
The pair's absences have left United with no natural left-backs for the entire season so far, having gone without for most of last term, too.
Harry Maguire joined Leny Yoro as two centre-backs on the injury table, withdrawing at half-time in the 0-0 draw with Villa earlier this month.
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The decision to keep De Ligt on the pitch ultimately came back to bite United at the end of the first half when Ethan Pinnock headed the visitors into the lead.
Referee Samuel Barrott had to order the United defender to leave the pitch another two times after the first because his head was still bleeding after treatment.
And he had to watch from the sideline as Brentford opened the scoring on the brink of half-time, leaving Ten Hag fuming.
The United boss and Ruud van Nistelrooy were booked for their reaction, but the only place blame can be laid is in the hosts' dugout.
