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Manchester United face a huge gamble in defence unless they sign a new centre-back in the summer, with Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez too injury-prone to be relied on.
Luckily, Michael Carrick hasn’t had too many injuries to worry about since becoming Manchester United’s interim head coach.
The biggest injuries were suffered by Patrick Dorgu, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
One player Carrick has been without since he returned to the club is Matthijs de Ligt. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on 30 November.
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Getty Images Man Utd can no longer rely on Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez
Carrick admitted last month that there was no guarantee that De Ligt would play again this season.
De Ligt is not alone with his injury problems. Martinez has picked up multiple serious injuries in recent seasons, meaning the same concerns apply to the World Cup-winner.
That is why it would be a huge risk if United went into next season relying on De Ligt and Martinez. Maguire has been given a new deal, but, at 33, he cannot be expected to play every match.
De Ligt has missed 30 matches for United since 2014 due to injury, while Martinez has missed 96 matches.
Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are still developing, which is why United need to sign a new centre-back in the summer.
How could United be serious about a title charge or competing in the Champions League if their best defenders are past it or injury-prone? It’s too big of an ask.
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Matthijs de Ligt stats this season
There is no denying that De Ligt was among United’s best performers at the start of the season.
That is why nobody can discredit De Ligt as a footballer, but in terms of availability, he has been a disappointment since joining from Bayern Munich.
De Ligt made 14 appearances for United this season, scoring one goal.
Martinez has made more appearances (16), despite spending a chunk of the season injured.
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