Harry Maguire’s free agent charge will see him suspended for Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea, joining the suspended Lisandro Martinez and injured Matthijs de Ligt.
Harry Maguire will not play against Chelsea (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United will be without Harry Maguire against Chelsea, leaving defender Michael Carrick with an unwanted headache. United star Maguire was initially given a one-match ban after being sent off in last month’s away game against Bournemouth.
But 27 days later, the FA confirmed the England international would be suspended for a further match for his abusive behavior towards officials, and ruled him out of Saturday’s visit to Stamford Bridge. And Carrick’s problems aren’t just Maguire.
Lisandro Martinez, who replaced Maguire in Monday’s 2-1 home defeat to Leeds, was shown a red card for violent conduct and will miss the next three games unless United appeal. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt remains injured with a back problem and has not played since November.
This left coach Carrick with only two centre-backs: 20-year-old Lenny Yolo and 19-year-old Aiden Heaven. The Red Devils manager could choose to trust his youngster or get creative ahead of a crucial game that will decide whether United qualify for the Champions League.
World Cup Legends: The stars of soccer’s biggest tournament in history – buy the special edition now
read more: Liverpool “release transfer applicants” Bad news for Manchester United, 2 signings decidedread more: Roy Keane points finger at Michael Carrick over reaction to Manchester United red card fury
1. Obvious solution
In 21 appearances at first-team level since joining United from Arsenal, Haven has rarely looked out of place. Calm in defense and confident on the ball, the teenager is undaunted by the task of facing a struggling Chelsea side.
Haven have played around 20 minutes of football since Carrick’s appointment, but he was trusted by both Ruben Amorim and former caretaker Darren Fletcher. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are likely to start at full-back, so if they believe in heaven along with Yoro, disruption will be kept to a minimum.
Defense: Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw
How would you line up Manchester United’s defense? Let us know your starting XI in the comments section.
Michael Carrick may turn to Aiden Haven (Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
2. Show slots
Shaw, a left-back by trade, is used to playing in a more central role. When called upon, the 30-year-old primarily plays on the left of a three-man defence, but many of the same principles would apply here.
If Shaw can partner Yoro, he should provide experience and be a solid presence at the back. Dalot will therefore play at left-back, while Nousser Mazraoui, who started against Leeds, will play at right-back.
Defense: Mazraoui, Yolo, Shaw, Dalot
Luke Shaw optioned by Michael Carrick (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
3. Bring back Casemiro
This would be cheating, but Casemiro also has experience at the heart of defense at both United and his former club Real Madrid. The Brazilian has made a total of 13 appearances as a centre-back, most recently playing under coach Erik ten Hag in 2024.
What Casemiro lacks in speed, he makes up for with his reading of the game and ability to see almost the entire pitch compared to the midfield. However, United lose their attacking quality from open play, which is likely to mean struggling Manuel Ugarte retains his place in midfield.
Defense: Dalot, Yoro, Casemiro, Shaw
Casemiro has played at centre-back before (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
4. Reflection on Amorim
Finally, there are three in the back. Amorim never left the system during his difficult 14-month tenure, but United’s players were never able to understand it.
However, there are times when the need arises and Mazrawi’s experience as a wide centre-back could come in handy. However, we would be surprised if Carrick deviated from his preferred 4-2-3-1.
Defense: Mazrawi, Yolo, Shaw
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
