Sad News: United Star Out for a Year

Wednesday brought sad news for Manchester United.

According to Football Insider, 27-year-old Lisandro Martinez could be sidelined for up to 12 months in the worst case.

The Argentine centre-back suffered an injury after a duel with Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford over the weekend.

Matthijs de Ligt is expected to step straight into the starting lineup as his replacement, but beyond that, United are left with Victor Lindelöf, whose contract is soon expiring, and 18-year-old Ayden Heaven as cover.

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Jonny Evans is also currently injured, while Luke Shaw can fill in as a left-sided centre-back, although he has suffered multiple setbacks.

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Huge Blow for Manchester United

The transfer window closed the day after Martinez’s injury, leaving little time to bring in an external replacement.

This is a major setback for the Red Devils, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown.

– This is a massive blow for Manchester United. He could be out for up to a year.

– Every team in the league suffers injuries, but this is one they could have really done without. It’s a bitter loss.

– The injury comes at a time when he was really stepping up with his performances, so it’s going to be a big loss overall.

– (Rúben) Amorim had only recently been able to assemble his preferred defensive lineup, with Martinez playing alongside (Harry) Maguire and (Leny) Yoro in the centre-back roles, while (Diogo) Dalot and (Noussair) Mazraoui occupied the full-back positions.

– Now they’re forced into a reshuffle.

– I expect De Ligt to come in alongside Maguire and Yoro, but the options on the bench will be the biggest concern after that.

– Evans and Shaw are not match fit, leaving United with players who have barely played a single minute all season, Brown told Football Insider.