6 options for Erik ten Hag as Man Utd learn extent of Lisandro Martinez injury
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has some thinking to do following Lisandro Martinez’s injury blow.
The Argentine defender has been ruled out for around two months after picking up a knee injury. It is another major blow for the former Ajax star, who has seen his second campaign at Old Trafford punctured by a host of issues.
With the Red Devils in a battle to earn a place in the Champions League this season, while Ten Hag’s side are also still in the FA Cup, the Dutchman might have to turn to a host of options in Martinez’s absence. Take a look at what he could potentially do over the next couple of months.
Harry Maguire
Having started just 10 Premier League games so far this season, Maguire now appears to be firmly back in contention under Ten Hag. The defender has overcome his recent injury issues and started alongside Martinez in the weekend’s win against West Ham.
The former Red Devils captain could be in line for a more consistent run in the first team with Martinez’s recent woes. Should he get picked for the weekend’s clash with Aston Villa, it would see Maguire start consecutive Premier League games for the first time since early December.
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Victor Lindelof
A bit like Maguire and Martinez, Swedish defender Lindelof has also been struggling with his own issues this term. He had missed the last seven Premier League games with a groin injury.
Lindelof returned with a small cameo against West Ham. If he avoids further injury issues, then he could present another valuable option for Ten Hag for the remainder of the campaign.
Victor Lindelof has struggled with his own injury issues this season (Getty Images)How much of a blow is Lisnadro Martinez's injury? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Jonny Evans
Following a shock return to Old Trafford in the summer, it would have been a crazy suggestion for Evans to be a direct replacement for £57m Martinez. However, the former Leicester star has done a stellar job this season.
The 36-year-old has made 14 Premier League appearances so far this term - and played the full 90 minutes in seven of them. While a starting berth every week might be beyond Evans at this stage, his experience will no doubt be a valuable asset for Ten Hag.
Luke Shaw
A conventional left-back, Shaw has already been forced to deputise in the middle for United on a host of occasions. It’s not a role that has hugely suited him, however.
Shaw started at centre-back in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in December, while he was also given the role in the 3-0 humiliation at the hands of Bournemouth. Despite that, Ten Hag still retains faith in Shaw so could potentially hand him the role once again going forwards.
Willy Kambwala
Another promising youngster to have come off the Old Trafford production line, the 19-year-old has already been given first-team exposure this season. He made his first start in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham in December, before being handed a brief cameo against Aston Villa.
Kambwala has also played in the FA Cup for United in the FA Cup, albeit at right-back. Having been handed a place on the bench in three out of the last four Premier League games, Ten Hag might be tempted to hand the young defender more opportunities as he attempts to deal with Martinez’s injury.
Casemiro
While it appears that the Red Devils are well-stocked at centre-back, Ten Hag could potentially turn to a slightly more unconventional option. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this term but a role at centre-back could see him earn minutes.
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He has played at centre-back on a few occasions in his career so far - but just once as a Man United player. That came in a League Cup win against Burnley last term.
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