INEOS have clearly left Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick short ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League.

While the co-owners have refreshed the midfield, even a quick look at the left-back department underlines how little depth the Red Devils have in that area.

Luke Shaw cannot be relied upon to remain fit throughout the entire season, and his recent displays have also prompted fresh doubts.

With Harry Amass seemingly set to leave as well, United could find themselves light in that position if injuries strike. It is surprising that INEOS have shown so little urgency over the left-back role.

After missing out on Lewis Hall from Newcastle, the 20-time English league champions are now focusing only on loan moves, despite both David Raum and Alejandro Balde having been attainable.

The concerns extend across the defence too, with Matthijs de Ligt currently sidelined through injury and Lisandro Martinez battling both form and fitness issues.

Harry Maguire is no longer getting any younger, and it is evident that Carrick could have benefited from at least one defensive addition rather than waiting for a complete rebuild.

According to The Sun, INEOS intend to reshape the defence next summer, just as they overhauled the attack last year and the midfield this time.

Samuel Luckhurst reports that United are willing to listen to offers for several defenders as they aim to bring in as many as three new players at the back.

Aside from Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, every other United defender will effectively be fighting to secure his future at the club this season.

“MANCHESTER UNITED defenders are on trial this season ahead of a planned overhaul of the defence next year.

“United are prepared to sign three defenders next year in a revamp that would mirror their midfield rebuild this summer.

“Leny Yoro, 20, and Ayden Heaven, 19, are long-term investments but right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are effectively competing against each other for their United futures.”

The deals of Shaw, Maguire and Martinez all run out next summer, although the club hold the option to extend the contracts of both centre-backs.

It all reads very much like United are deliberately putting their plans into the public domain as a form of damage limitation, in an attempt to calm a frustrated fanbase.