Manchester United’s defensive issues have reached a breaking point as injuries continue to pile up. Key center-backs Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane have both been ruled out for several weeks, leaving manager Erik ten Hag with limited options in his backline. This has forced the Dutch coach to experiment with different defensive pairings, often relying on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf, who have struggled to provide consistency.

The defensive woes have been a major reason behind United’s inconsistent performances this season. The team has conceded several soft goals, leading to dropped points in both the Premier League and European competitions. Many fans and analysts have questioned the club’s decision not to sign a new center-back during the January transfer window, as injuries were already a concern earlier in the season.

With crucial matches coming up, including a Champions League knockout tie, Ten Hag faces a significant challenge in shoring up his defense. Some reports suggest that United could look at free-agent signings to provide emergency cover, while others believe academy players may be given a chance to step up. Regardless, the defensive crisis could have a lasting impact on United’s season if a solution isn’t found soon.