Manchester United are on a never-ending cycle of dealing with injury problems, particularly in defence.
In the 2023-24 season, Manchester United were severely hampered by injuries. And before 2024-25 even kicked off, the same theme continued.
Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund suffered injuries in pre-season, and more recently Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad have all been sidelined.
The latest player to suffer injury is Ayden Heaven, stretchered off on his first ever Premier League start, and leaving the stadium in a walking boot.
Current centre-back options
Ayden Heaven can expect a spell on the sidelines. While an official diagnosis is not yet made, there are questions whether he will be able to come back this season.
It is a tough blow for a teenager enjoying an outstanding start to his Manchester United career.
And it leaves United thin in options at centre-back. Against Leicester City, United were missing Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
Matthijs de Ligt was available and impressed, while Victor Lindelof was also recalled, making just his second Premier League start of the season.
More United News
United have used Noussair Mazraoui at times as part of a back three, and this becomes an option once again with Patrick Dorgu’s suspension complete.
Of the players currently out, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are in contention to return right after the international break, so there are options.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Luke Shaw to the rescue
There is soon to be another option in the mix, Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.
“He’s going to be ready soon,” coach Ruben Amorim declared following Manchester United’s win over Leicester.
Shaw has not started a game for United for more than a year, making two brief substitute appearances under Ruben Amorim in December, before getting injured.
When Shaw did play in these games, he was utilised as a centre-back. It was a position he occasionally played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag too.
It makes sense for Shaw to play this role upon his return. United are invested in new signing Patrick Dorgu as the left wing-back.
Shaw needs to prove he can stay fit, and he must do so by stepping in at centre-back, where United are dealing with a constant rotation of injuries.
Ayden Heaven’s temporary setback can provide Shaw with an opportunity. United’s longest serving player can have another fresh start.
Beyond this, whether he has a future at centre-back, left wing-back, or not at all, remains to be seem. First of all he needs to stay fit, and not break down again.