They are under an EFL transfer embargo for financial reasons, which include defaulting on payments to HMRC. Manager Wayne Rooney had only nine registered senior players for Sunday's pre-season match with Manchester United, two of whom were goalkeepers. Rooney used five non-contract players in Sunday's game at Pride Park. However, the definition of professional standing is a single first-team appearance in a competitive game outside the EFL Trophy. Rooney has said if the position does not change he will not have a central defender for his side's opening EFL game against Huddersfield Town on 7 August.

Source: BBC July 19, 2021 14:26 UTC