Manchester United travelled to Chelsea with only a single recognised centre-back following injuries to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are suspended
18:45, 18 Apr 2026Updated 19:42, 18 Apr 2026
Michael Carrick has called on Ayden Heaven amid Manchester United’s defensive crisis(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Noussair Mazraoui is set to partner Ayden Heaven at centre-back for Manchester United as part of a makeshift line-up against Chelsea. Michael Carrick has been forced to call on Mazraoui, a right-back by trade, and 19-year-old Heaven after Leny Yoro joined three of his fellow central defenders in missing the trip to Stamford Bridge.
United were already with Matthijs de Ligt due to a long-term back injury before their crisis worsened this week. Firstly, Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card for violent conduct during Monday’s limp 2-1 loss at home to Leeds.
His suspension was upheld despite an appeal from United, and means that Martinez will be suspended for three matches. Then on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Harry Maguire would be also banned for the Chelsea game.
Maguire’s outburst towards the officials after being sent off during last month’s 2-2 draw away to Bournemouth resulted in his one-match ban being extended to two. The centre-back also received a £30,000 fine.
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When United travelled to London on Friday, Yoro wasn’t spotted with the group. It’s since emerged that the Frenchman has picked up an injury, forcing Carrick into a rethink.
“Hopefully it’s a small injury for Yoro; he’s not available for today,” the Red Devils boss said ahead of kick-off. “It’s part of football, you know?
“We’ve got a pretty good squad, in terms of injuries, really. There’s Leny, there’s Matthijs, who’s out for a bit longer, and there’s Patrick [Dorgu]. It’s the two suspensions so all of a sudden there’s less options at centre-back. We can adapt and we can make the most of it.”
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Noussair Mazraoui will play at centre-back against Chelsea(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
United also only have one recognised defender on the bench in the form of Tyrell Malacia. In positive news, Kobbie Mainoo has returned to the starting XI after missing the Leeds game through injury.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow of their own. There’s no Joao Pedro for Liam Rosenior to call on, so Liam Delap gets the nod up front.
Enzo Fernandez is also back in the Chelsea side after the club sanctioned him for comments about his future during the international break. Alejandro Garnacho has been named on the bench and could face his former club, United, for the first time here.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Delap
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
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