Whatever the rights and wrongs behind Jaap Stam's undignified departure from English football, the fact it has left Alex Ferguson short of defensive manpower was underlined yesterday by an injury to Wes Brown.
Brown, recently touted by Ferguson as England's most talented defender, was conspicuous by his absence as his club colleagues flew into Spain for tonight's potentially hazardous encounter against Deportivo la Coruna.
The defender has strained a hamstring, which means he will join Michael Owen and, probably, Sol Campbell as absentees when England host Greece at Old Trafford on Saturday week.
"He felt his hamstring tighten at Newcastle and even though he got through last Tuesday (against Lille) he has obviously done some damage," Ferguson disclosed after landing in Galicia.
Brown's absence tonight may be critical if United are to meet their manager's challenge that they "start re-establishing themselves away in Europe".
Not since United won the trophy in 1999 have they shown an air of authority on their continental excursions. "It's only fractions we are talking about, but it has still meant us throwing away games in Europe over the past year or so," Ferguson said.
"Teams have analysed us that little bit more and we have kept playing the same way. This season we will maybe be a bit different." In that respect Ferguson is likely to persist with his policy of playing either Juan Sebastian Veron or, more likely, Paul Scholes just behind Ruud van Nistelrooy in attack.
Ronny Johnsen will deputise for Brown, although he has never played alongside Laurent Blanc. David May will be the only recognised cover for central defence.
United can expect a busy evening. Deportivo have lost only five times at the Riazor stadium in three years, and Leeds were fortunate not to have been beaten more heavily than 2-0 here last April.
Their coach, Javier Irureta, is a shrewd operator, ending the 18-year cycle of Real Madrid-Barcelona domination by steering the club to La Liga two seasons ago. Saturday's 3-2 win at Alaves lifted them to second place this season.
"Deportivo will look upon themselves as contenders for the European Cup," said Ferguson. "The competition is so open these days I've no idea who could be favourites this year, but as soon as the draw was made I knew this would be the critical test of the group. They are a very, very good side."
It was a surprise, therefore, that Deportivo's combination of Europeans and Brazilians, youth and experience, managed only a 2-2 draw in their opening game at home to Olympiakos of Greece.
Ferguson thinks 10 points will get qualification for the second phase and the prime objective here may be to avoid defeat.
Deportivo will be without Jose Amavisca with a knee injury. His fellow midfielders Fran (ankle) and Victor (foot) are doubtful, although the former is expected to play. Playmaker Djalminha is still out with a thigh injury.
MANCHESTER UNITED (probable 4-4-1-1): Barthez; G Neville, Blanc, Johnsen, Irwin; Beckham, Keane, Veron, Giggs; Scholes; Van Nistelrooy.
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA (probable, 4-4-2): Molina; Pablo, Donato, Naybet, Romero; Mauro Silva, Valeron, Sergio, Fran; Tristan, Makaay.
