Manchester United are facing a growing injury crisis, as manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that three key defenders — Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire — will not be available for their upcoming Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday.
The Red Devils, already struggling to find form this season, are now dealing with a defensive shortage that could further complicate their ambitions in the domestic cup competition.
Ten Hag described the situation as “very critical,” acknowledging the significant blow these injuries have dealt to his plans.
A Mounting Injury Crisis
The news of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire’s absence adds to the growing list of injuries in Manchester United’s squad. Martinez, a key figure in United’s defense since his arrival from Ajax, has been dealing with a recurring foot injury, while de Ligt is sidelined with a muscle strain. Meanwhile, Maguire, despite being linked with a potential move away from the club, was expected to play a vital role in the defensive rotation but is now out due to a hamstring problem.
This injury crisis comes at a critical juncture in the season when Manchester United are looking to progress in the Carabao Cup while balancing the demands of the Premier League and European competitions. With three of the club’s top center-backs unavailable, Ten Hag will be forced to rely on less experienced players or makeshift defensive options.
Ten Hag’s Challenge
Erik ten Hag, known for his tactical flexibility, now faces a significant challenge in organizing his defense for Tuesday’s clash. The Dutchman has had success in the past, including leading Ajax to domestic glory and guiding Manchester United to a top-four finish last season. However, the current injury situation represents one of his toughest tests yet at Old Trafford.
In a recent press conference, Ten Hag did not mince words when discussing the severity of the problem. “It’s a very critical situation,” he admitted. “We are without three key players in defense, and this creates a challenge for us. We have to be adaptable and make the best of the situation.”
The absence of these defenders puts immense pressure on the remaining squad members to step up. Players like Victor Lindelöf, who has seen limited minutes so far, and young prospects from the academy could be called upon to fill the void. Additionally, Ten Hag may need to reshuffle his midfield or wing-backs to cover defensive gaps.
Martinez’s Ongoing Struggles
Lisandro Martinez has been a fan favorite since his arrival at Manchester United, bringing tenacity, ball-playing ability, and leadership to the heart of the defense. However, his injury struggles have raised concerns about his long-term fitness. Martinez’s foot injury, which he initially sustained towards the end of last season, has resurfaced, limiting his availability for crucial fixtures.
Ten Hag will be especially frustrated by Martinez’s situation, as the Argentine’s presence has been crucial in stabilizing United’s defense. With Martinez out, United lose a player capable of playing out from the back and initiating attacks, something Ten Hag highly values in his tactical setup.
De Ligt’s Setback
Matthijs de Ligt’s injury is another bitter pill to swallow for Ten Hag, who was hoping to rotate the Dutch defender in key fixtures. De Ligt, who joined United from Bayern Munich this summer, has been adapting to the Premier League but now faces a spell on the sidelines due to a muscle strain.
De Ligt’s physical presence and defensive awareness were expected to be assets for United, especially in a demanding schedule. His absence leaves a considerable gap in central defense, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain.
Maguire’s Misfortune
Harry Maguire’s situation is perhaps the most complex. The former Manchester United captain has seen his role diminish under Ten Hag, with the club even exploring transfer options for him over the summer. However, Maguire was expected to feature more regularly in cup competitions, giving him a chance to prove his worth to the manager.
Unfortunately for both Maguire and Ten Hag, a hamstring injury has ruled him out of the Carabao Cup tie, further complicating matters. Despite his recent struggles, Maguire’s experience and leadership would have been invaluable in navigating this difficult period. Now, United will have to move forward without him.
Defensive Options Left for United
With Martinez, de Ligt, and Maguire all unavailable, Manchester United are running out of options in central defense. Victor Lindelöf is likely to be the first-choice option, but beyond him, the situation becomes precarious.
Ten Hag may look to academy graduates or utilize full-backs in more central roles. Luke Shaw, who has occasionally played as a left-sided center-back, is also dealing with fitness concerns, leaving Ten Hag in a tricky spot. Youngster Teden Mengi could be thrown into the mix, though it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will trust such an inexperienced player in a high-pressure cup fixture.
Additionally, there may be a temptation to experiment with a back-three formation, using wing-backs to provide additional defensive cover. However, this would require significant tactical adjustments in a short period.
The Importance of the Carabao Cup
Despite the injuries, Manchester United cannot afford to take the Carabao Cup lightly. As one of the domestic competitions where silverware is within reach, the cup represents an opportunity for United to build momentum and restore confidence among the players and fans. A deep run in the Carabao Cup could also provide valuable minutes for fringe players and youngsters looking to break into the first team.
However, with a depleted defense, Ten Hag will have to strike a balance between fielding a competitive team and managing the risk of further injuries to key players.
Manchester United’s season has been fraught with difficulties, and this latest injury crisis only compounds the challenges Erik ten Hag faces. The absence of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire for the Carabao Cup tie on Tuesday adds significant pressure on the squad, particularly in defense.
As the Red Devils prepare for the cup clash, all eyes will be on how Ten Hag navigates this “very critical” situation. Will he rely on younger players, tactical innovations, or perhaps make a surprise move in the transfer market if injuries persist?
One thing is certain: Manchester United’s season is at a crossroads, and how they handle this adversity could define their campaign moving forward.