(Reuters) - The absence of key players in defence has had a negative impact on Manchester United's season, manager Erik ten Hag said as he continues to cope with an injury crisis at the Premier League club with six defenders unavailable.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are the latest names on the long list of injuries at United as the duo joined fellow centre backs Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof and left backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia on the sidelines.