MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced into a defensive reshuffle when they take on Crystal Palace tomorrow.
The Red Devils host the Eagles for the second time in under a week following Wednesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win.
But United’s backline could look quite different after Erik ten Hag was handed a double injury blow on Friday.
Star centre-back Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out of action for an extended period after aggravating his metatarsal injury from April.
No timeline has been set on the Argentine’s return.
And he won’t be the only defender missing tomorrow, with loanee Sergio Reguilon also ruled out with injury.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
I'VE GOT A TEXT!
How to join The Sun's brilliant new WhatsApp channel in three easy steps
ROO ARE YA?
Wayne Rooney asked ‘who the f*** is this guy?’ when Man Utd icon joined
It means United have only one fit full-back in Diogo Dalot.
He is set to continue on the right side of defence, with Andre Onana remaining between the sticks.
At centre-back, Raphael Varane may struggle to play twice in quick succession.
And it could pave the way for Jonny Evans to partner Harry Maguire.
Most read in Football
FIX PROBE
Football legend & ex-Chelsea star investigated by cops for ‘match fixing’
AND IT’S LIVE
Prem clubs vote for big change to TV deal that could see MORE games televised
TURMOIL
English club forced to leave stadium and chairman withdraws ALL funding
REDS SALE
Premier League giants sell stake in club worth £164M to sports investment firm
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
As for the tricky left-back spot, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat may be drafted in again after impressing there midweek.
Further up the pitch, Mason Mount looks set to partner Casemiro in midfield following his return from injury.
There could be another start too for Hannibal Mejbri, forcing Bruno Fernandes to the right of the attack.
Marcus Rashford is sure to be deployed on the left side.
And Rasmus Hojlund will likely lead the line ahead of Anthony Martial, who netted against Palace in the cup.
As for the bench, Ten Hag should be able to call upon Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen.
Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri may also have to settle for places on the bench.
But the game comes too soon for Antony, who has only just returned to training.
And Jadon Sancho remains unavailable as his feud with Ten Hag rumbles on.
Speaking about United’s latest injury setbacks, the boss said: “We already expanded the squad this season because we make the reason clear.
“We had a World Cup in the middle of the season, we had a longer season, we had to play a longer season as well, with FA Cup. A shorter break.
“Every time the schedule is expanding, the load on the players is too much, it’s such a great overload.
“Many colleagues of mine have pointed to that and I have pointed to that as well. But it keeps going.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
MUMBELIEVABLE
Woman, 32 & mum, 63, bought the same Primark outfits to see how they look
CO-STAR CLASH
MAFS star Georges makes brutal dig at Porscha as he calls rival‘pathetic’
“We keep expanding the schedule. Anywhere, it won’t stop.
“Players can’t deal anymore with this overload and I think that’s what you say in this squad at the moment.”
MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all of the latest transfer and takeover news from Old Trafford
Source: Read Full Article
