Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has shared his concerns about Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, suggesting that it's something that needs addressing in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have shown plenty of improvement under Michael Carrick, and they rank first in the Premier League since he took over from Ruben Amorim.
Despite that, it could be a busy summer transfer window for the Manchester club as they look to build on what he's produced so far, while there is also a strong chance they will need a bigger squad if they qualify for the Champions League.
European qualification is looking likely at the moment, and it's something they haven't been distracted by this season.
Gary Neville Shares Man Utd Concern
Matthijs de Ligt in action for Manchester United
Speaking on his podcast after Manchester United's victory over Aston Villa, former defender Neville shares his concerns about De Ligt and Martinez. The former England international hinted that United need to address the issue in the summer due to De Ligt and Martinez struggling to get on the pitch.
"They have got a problem at centre-back. The problem at centre-back actually is that at the moment, De Ligt and Martinez, arguably with Maguire, their two best centre-backs, they can't get on the pitch. It's a real problem."
Martinez certainly appears to be the more injury-prone of the two, and it wouldn't be a surprise if it's an area United did address in the summer. Harry Maguire is also out of contract at the end of the season, so the Red Devils have multiple decisions to make at the back.
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New CB Signing Can Help Man Utd Duo
leny yoro
Bringing in a new centre-back could help the development of both Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro. The United duo have often been thrust in at the deep end due to a lack of options, but a new addition will allow the Manchester club to manage their development at the right pace.
Both centre-backs have shown plenty of potential and even current ability, but it's imperative that United don't rush them.
If Maguire does leave the club in the summer, then bringing in another body at the back will be crucial, especially if De Ligt and Martinez's injury troubles continue for the rest of the campaign.
Who Should Man Utd Start at Centre-Back?
Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez staring
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT who Man Utd should be starting at centre-back when everyone is fit.
Lisandro Martínez should start when fully fit: he’s **Manchester United’s best progressive centre-back and enables clean build-up with line-breaking passes.
His aggressive front-foot defending suits a higher defensive line.
Matthijs de Ligt is the most balanced partner: strong aerially, physically dominant, and comfortable organising the defensive line.
Provides security when Martínez steps out to engage attackers.
Leny Yoro is a high-upside option but still developing physically and tactically.
Harry Maguire suits deeper blocks.
Ayden Heaven remains developmental.
Best pairing: Martínez (LCB) + De Ligt (RCB).