Manchester United are short on options at centre-back at things stand
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
16:00, 11 Apr 2026
Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts after the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion on January 11, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Harry Maguire will miss the match(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez faces a late fitness call in regards to a starting XI spot versus Leeds United as Michael Carrick figures out how best to deal without Harry Maguire.
Maguire, who signed a new long-term deal this week, will play no part in Monday's clash due to suspension having been sent off in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the final game before the international break.
With Matthijs De Ligt out injured, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are the only other natural centre-back options remaining besides Martinez - who has been injured for two months - although Casemiro has been known to play in the role.
Carrick, who lost four of his five meetings with Daniel Farke as Middlesbrough boss, said of Martinez: "It’s just a [selection] call that we make, we wouldn’t be pushing him into anything.
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“It's important that the boys are ready. The next game is always important, but the bigger picture is more important.
"He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass, but we have to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready. Lisandro will be back [in the squad]."
Leeds have not beaten Man Utd at Old Trafford in a league game since 1981, their only win since then coming in the famous 2010 FA Cup third round win. Carrick played against Leeds six times in his career, but only once for Man Utd - a 3-0 League Cup win in September 2011.
He is nevertheless aware of the rivalry between the two enemies and what impact it will have on the Old Trafford crowd.
“It's gone on for an awfully long time - I think that's what rivalries are there for, to be part of the intensity and the emotion and the passion that goes into it,” he said.
“Obviously, it's got to keep within the margins, but I think that's part of the game we love, going up against other teams. So I think it's something that we've got to embrace.
“We're certainly aware of it. I'm certainly aware of it. The players are aware of it. The extra that it means on top of the standard three points. So, yeah, we're looking forward to it. It's a big night for us.”
He added of the atmosphere: “Yeah, hopefully the rivalry cranks it up and the stadium is alive. I'm sure it will be.
"It has been. I expect it to be the same and with an extra little bit of edge because of it being late.”
Farke meanwhile will have to deal without Anton Stach, Joe Rodon and Daniel James for the contest with Noah Okafor, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol all injury doubts.
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