Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be without four first-team stars when his team faces Aston Villa this weekend. Injuries in the defense have hit the Dutchman particularly hard, as he aims to continue a run of five matches unbeaten, including a significant win over West Ham in the previous match.
One of the absences is fan favorite Lisandro Martinez, who has already missed three months of this season due to a foot injury. Although he returned shortly after the New Year, his comeback was cut short against West Ham when he suffered a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for the next two months.
Ten Hag expressed his disappointment at the setback but also emphasized Martinez’s determination to return stronger by the end of the season. The team will need to find a replacement for him in the meantime.
Additionally, fellow defender Tyrell Malacia has also been ruled out for the Villa clash, while long-term absentee Mason Mount is not yet ready to return. Furthermore, Aaron Wan-Bissaka experienced a fresh setback after working his way back into team training.
Ten Hag mentioned that the diagnosis for Wan-Bissaka’s injury is still uncertain. In response to the absences, Diogo Dalot is set to start at right-back, and the team has several options to cover for Mount.
However, it remains to be seen how the United boss will account for Martinez’s absence in the defense. Ten Hag mentioned that they have good center-back options, and left-back Luke Shaw could also potentially fill in the position.