Manchester United have been having a rough season. To add to their piling woes, Lisandro Martinez has picked up a knee injury that could keep him out till the end of the season. United have shipped 34 goals this season, which makes them the 11th worst defence in the league.
Lisandro Martinez Injury Details
The Man United medical staff had to stretcher off Martinez in the finalIn the final stages of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Martinez left the pitch on tears after a seemingly harmless collision with Ismaila Sarr of Palace.
United have yet to reveal the full extent of Martinez’s injury. Reports, however, indicate that he may not feature again this season. The club is expected to issue an official update before Friday’s FA Cup tie against Leicester City.
The 27-year-old had been in the midst of his best run of form this season. He solidified his place as a key component on the left side of United’s back-three. He assisted Bruno Fernandes’ winner against Rangers last month and followed it up with a goal of his own against Fulham just three days later.
With the loss of such a key player, United head coach Ruben Amorim faces the challenge of filling a substantial void in defence. Below, we examine two options the Portuguese manager could explore in light of the former Ajax star’s absence. Both involve the use of a 3-4-3,which has been Amorim’s go-to system at United.
Possible Manchester United Formations Without Martinez
De Light to Move to the Left Side of the Back Three
Martinez is the only senior left-footed centre-back at United. He provides vital balance on the left side of the back-three, and with no direct replacement at senior level, the Reds could risk losing that balance.
United brought in former Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven to bolster their centre-back options. He was signed for the first team, but his senior experience is limited to a 10-minute substitute appearance.
Amorim may have to rethink his defensive structure, with Matthijs de Ligt possibly filling in on the left side of the back-three despite being naturally right-footed. Harry Maguire thrives in the central role, while Leny Yoro is regarded as the long-term solution on the right.
Luke Shaw a More Natural Replacement
Luke Shaw’s long-awaited comeback appears to be edging closer at the perfect moment. The England international has been taking part in first-team training at Carrington. United have high hopes that he will soon be ready to return from his most recent injury.
Shaw has been limited to just three substitute outings for United this season and hasn’t started a match in nearly a year. While his injury troubles have mounted in recent seasons, he is still among the Reds’ best defenders when fit.
Under Erik ten Hag, the former Southampton star was often used as a stand-in centre-back in a back-four, adding to the confidence that he could adapt seamlessly to the left-sided role in a back-three. His defensive acumen and ability on the ball make him a strong candidate for the position.
