Manchester United have reportedly started an investigation to uncover why Erik ten Hag's squad have been decimated by so many injuries in recent weeks.
A dismal start to the campaign has seen the Red Devils win four and lose four of their opening eight Premier League contests, leaving them smack-bang in the middle of the table in 10th spot.
Ten Hag's side have also opened their Champions League campaign with successive defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, leaving them bottom of Group A and at risk of an early exit from Europe's premier tournament.
However, injuries, off-field controversies and the ongoing takeover saga have not helped Ten Hag, who has been working with a ravaged set of options in the early stages of the campaign.
According to the Daily Mail, Red Devils medical chiefs are now looking at whether there has been a pattern to their side's unenviable fitness woes to help prevent any future recurrences.
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With a plethora of Man United players sustaining muscular injuries since the season began, the club are considering the possibility that last season's unprecedented volume of matches is to blame.
Alongside the 38-game Premier League season, Man United reached the finals of the FA Cup and EFL Cup, as well as progressing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League before being knocked out by Sevilla.
In addition, 14 players were called up for their nations at the World Cup; only Barcelona (17), Bayern Munich (16), Manchester City (16) and Al-Sadd (15) had more representatives in Qatar.
Two of those 14 players - Fred and Cristiano Ronaldo - have since departed for pastures new, but a handful of other World Cup performers have fallen victim to physical glitches this season.
However, Man United have apparently noticed a similar pattern of injuries with treble winners Manchester City following their unforgiving campaign, and the Red Devils poached ex-Arsenal doctor Gary O'Driscoll to head up their medical department in the summer.
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Heading into the international break, Man United had eight players in the treatment room, including Lisandro Martinez, who is expected to miss the rest of 2023 after undergoing a second foot operation.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sergio Reguilon are both dealing with thigh injuries to add to Ten Hag's full-back crisis, while Luke Shaw has not played since the end of August due to a muscle issue of his own.
Raphael Varane is in the care of the physiotherapists for the same reason, while the up-and-coming Amad Diallo (knee) and Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) sustained impact injuries in pre-season, although the latter is now back in training.
As well as their current injured troupe, Man United have also been forced to do without new signings Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount for portions of the campaign, while Casemiro sustained a blow to the ankle in Brazil's World Cup qualifier with Venezuela on Thursday.
Finally, Jadon Sancho is still not being considered for selection by Ten Hag after his public criticism of the manager, who has not received a desired apology from the England attacker.
Ben Knapton
