Erik ten Hag hints at surprise defensive solution amid injury crisis after Man United started their '27TH' different back four line-up in 2-2 Liverpool draw

Erik ten Hag has admitted he is weighing up his defensive options following the club's 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

At Old Trafford Dutchman was forced to deploy a rotated back four with their ongoing injury crisis severely limiting his options in defence.

The clash came just days after Jonny Evans became the club's latest casualty and had to be replaced after coming on as a substitute against Chelsea.

The Northern Irishman's injury meant he joins fellow centre-backs Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof on the treatment table.

As such, for Sunday's clash against the Reds Ten Hag was forced to deploy his 27th different back four of the season, pairing youngster Willy Kambwala with Harry Maguire in the centre of defence.

The pair performed admirably in difficult circumstances against United's bitter rivals, and Ten Hag heaped praise on the 19-year-old's performance post-match whilst insisting he has another option up his sleeve.

'Now it's the challenge for [Kambwala] to do it consistently because, in the coming weeks, they will not return, so many players So it's a great opportunity for him.

'We have also other options. We can also bring Casemiro into a centre-half position. But I think, the choice for today, he absolutely deserved it and he showed it on the pitch.'

The Brazilian has occasionally deputised in defence when needed throughout his career.

Paired alongside Lindelof, the former Real Madrid star was deployed at centre-back for an EFL Cup fourth round clash with Burnley in December 2022 with the pair keeping a clean sheet as United won 2-0.

However, Ten Hag appears confident that, despite his limited experience, Kambwala is capable of stepping into the role as United continue to chase European football.

'The decision to bring Willy in is because he has been a long time training with us and, in his first game against West Ham, he also did very well, his progress is amazing.' Ten Hag continued.

'During training, we didn't have any doubts and, for instance, we could have also brought Casemiro down and then bring another midfielder in.

'We were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliant. I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.

'This team, the squad has high potential and if we get more players available, especially in the backline, where we have 27 different organisations, across the season, then the future will be very good.'