Manchester United may have to complete a gruelling 2022/23 season without either of their first-choice centre-backs.
The Red Devils confirmed on Friday night a metatarsal problem has ended Lisandro Martinez’s campaign, while Raphael Varane is facing a race against time to return from a foot injury of his own.
Martinez and Varane have been the backbone of United’s resurgence this year and will undoubtedly be missed as their season concludes.
So, how could Erik ten Hag set out his stall without the duo?
Potential lineup: Wan-Bissaka – Lindelof – Maguire – Shaw
The obvious solution would be to replace two centre-backs with two other centre-backs, of course.
Club captain Harry Maguire has been relegated to the bench this season and has occasionally bemoaned his lack of playing time – these injuries should give him a chance to either stake his claim long-term or put himself in the shop window.
Sweden international Victor Lindelof has also fallen down the pecking order, though has struggled with a back problem at points this season.
Potential lineup: Wan-Bissaka – Maguire – Shaw – Malacia
At times this season, Ten Hag has decided to play left-back Luke Shaw through the middle. This has plan has surprisingly worked well when deployed.
Shaw himself is on his way back from injury but is expected to be fit for Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
Should Shaw come in at centre-back, it would also give summer signing Tyrell Malacia the extended run on the left that he has been hoping for.
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Potential lineup: Wan-Bissaka – Casemiro – Maguire – Shaw
In their first game following the World Cup break, United played Burnley in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Martinez and Varane had faced off in the final in Qatar and so were away on holiday, leaving Ten Hag short of centre-back options.
Casemiro filled in at the back, and though this could be a viable option again, he is needed more in midfield.
Potential lineup: Wan-Bissaka – McTominay – Maguire – Shaw
We’re just getting carried away, now.
Sure, Scott McTominay has played at centre-back in the past, but he is now demonstrating just how important he is further up the pitch.
Ten Hag also insisted that he saw him as a midfielder only at a recent press conference.
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