Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has concerns over his group of five central defenders withstanding the demands of a long campaign. The 44-year-old harbours doubts about Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez, especially as there is no plan to strengthen the position unless one or more departs.
Carrick's first full season
Carrick approaches his first full season as manager with the prospect of leading United on four fronts: Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League after a two-year absence. When taking temporary charge in January after the sacking of Ruben Amorim, Carrick had 17 league matches to negotiate with United out of other competitions. He lifted United from seventh to third place, but the coming season may expose his callowness with just 20 games as manager behind him.
In those 17 matches last season, United lost twice – 2-1 to Newcastle and Leeds – and conceded 18 times. Closer scrutiny of the five central defenders – full-backs Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot, and Luke Shaw can also operate there – throws up uncomfortable questions.
Youth and experience
Yoro, at 20, and the 19-year-old Heaven are yet to progress beyond showing potential. Yoro, with 66 appearances since joining from Lille for £52m in 2024, has been prone to the occasional error. Heaven, who signed from Arsenal in February 2025 for a nominal fee, made 11 league starts last season. He says: “I’m young and I’ve got to be patient, especially in my position. You don’t see a lot of 19-year-olds playing week in, week out. I know it’s nothing personal. I’m waiting for my opportunity.”
At 33, Maguire is at the opposite end. The former England defender offers leadership but is one-paced and may be exposed. He was part of the 2023 Carabao Cup triumph.
Injury concerns
Martínez, 28, remains plagued by injury. He was forced off before half-time in the World Cup final defeat by Spain with a muscle problem, and his fitness for the season opener at Hull is in the balance. After a starring role in the 2024 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, Pep Guardiola rated him “a top five centre-back in the world”. But Carrick cannot rely on him staying fit.
De Ligt’s robustness is of even greater concern. The 26-year-old has not played since the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on 30 November with a back injury that was finally operated on in May. He said: “Since November I have done everything, pushing myself in every session and exploring every option, to get back to doing what I love, playing football.” The aim is for De Ligt to be back early in the season.
Summer recruitment
The uncertainty over the centre-backs is mirrored by the club’s unconvincing summer recruitment, particularly compared with rivals. Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson for £116m, Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers for £117m, and Tottenham signed Sandro Tonali for £100m and Mateus Fernandes for £85m. United’s major signing is the 29-year-old Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, plus Andrey Santos, a 22-year-old with 11 league starts last season for Chelsea.
With five weeks of the transfer window left, the picture may change significantly by 1 September. But at the moment, it is difficult to make a case for a fit-for-purpose defence at United.
