Man Utd could be without a set of senior defenders when they face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final next week.
Manchester United could be without four senior defenders when they face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final next week.
Erik ten Hag’s side will be looking for another Wembley win when they face the Seagulls in the last four of the prestigious cup competition, but may have to do so with an impromptu defence.
United are sweating over the fitness of senior centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez after they were both substituted in Thursday night’s Europa League draw against Sevilla.
Martinez was carried off by Sevilla players Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna in the 87th minute before needing a stretcher.
The Argentine’s retirement reduced United to 10 men who were 2-1 up at the time, having made their five substitutions in a night when Varane was also forced off through injury at half-time.
United’s problem is compounded by the fact that Luke Shaw also missed the Sevilla match with an injury. The England international is primarily a left-back, but he has replaced his side at centre-back on a number of occasions.
Ten Hag are hoping for positive updates on the injured trio next week, with a Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest and a return leg against Sevilla to play in the FA Cup semi-final.
Harry Maguire will be available to play in both games; however, he will be suspended for the match against Brighton after being booked in the quarter-final win against Fulham.
It means Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones are the only recognized senior centre-backs available for the match, which will likely require a tactical rethink by the manager.
Scott McTominay, who also missed the game against Sevilla through injury, played in defense for Scotland and Aaron Wan-Bissaka had previously been touted to switch positions.
