Man United hit by ‘massive blow’ as star faces ’12 months out’
Ruben Amorim’s “biggest issue” at Man United is now a lack of defensive cover after “massive” injury news, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Mick Brown, worked as the chief scout at Man United for over a decade during their most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that Lisandro Martinez’s absence will be “a bitter blow” to the side.
Football Insider understands have claimed that the 27-year-old could spend between nine months and a year on the sidelines with a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The centre-back was stretchered off following a battle with Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr during the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Matthijs de Ligt is expected to come into the starting XI as his replacement, but United will be left with just Victor Lindelof and 18-year-old January signing Ayden Heaven for cover.
Jonny Evans has been ruled out with an undisclosed muscle injury, while Luke Shaw would also be able to cover at left-centre-back but has also suffered from recurring injuries.
Man United dealt ‘massive’ blow by Lisandro Martinez injury news
The mid-season transfer window closed the day after Martinez’s injury, leaving no time for the club to find a last-minute replacement and cover for his position.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience working closely with players and managers at the top level including Sir Alex Ferguson, insisted that United have been dealt a “massive” blow by the news and will be forced to make changes.
“It’s going to be a massive blow for Man United, he could be out for up to a year,” he told Football Insider.
“Every team in the league gets injuries, but they really could have done without this, it’s a bitter blow.
“It’s come at a time when he’s really stepped up his performances so it’s a big blow all round.
“Amorim has only recently been able to establish his first-choice back four, with Martinez alongside Maguire and Yoro, and Dalot and Mazraoui as the full-backs.
“Now they’re going to be forced into another change.
“I expect it’ll be De Ligt who comes in alongside Maguire and Yoro at the back, but their options on the bench are the biggest issue after that.
“Evans and Shaw aren’t fit, then you’re left with players who have hardly had minutes this season.”
In other news, fans fear Ruben Amorim could quit after new transfer reveal.
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