Michael Carrick has high hopes for his five central defenders at Manchester United, but the 44-year-old manager harbours concerns about their ability to withstand the demands of a long campaign. Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez represent a blend of youthful potential and experienced winners, yet questions remain over their vulnerability and injury-proneness.
No plans to strengthen defence
Carrick, approaching his first full season as United manager, will lead the team on four fronts: the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League after a two-year absence. However, there is no plan to add to the defensive ranks unless one or more players depart. In 17 league matches after taking temporary charge in January, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, Carrick lifted United from seventh to third, six points ahead of Aston Villa. But the team lost twice—2-1 to Newcastle and Leeds—and conceded 18 goals.
Youth vs experience
Yoro, 20, and Heaven, 19, are yet to progress beyond potential. Yoro, signed from Lille for £52m in 2024, has made 66 appearances but is prone to errors. Heaven, who joined from Arsenal in February 2025 for a nominal fee, made 11 league starts last season. “I’m young and I’ve got to be patient,” Heaven said. “You don’t see a lot of 19-year-olds playing week in, week out.” At 33, Maguire offers guile and leadership but lacks pace, while Martínez, 28, remains injury-plagued. He was forced off before half-time in the World Cup final defeat by Spain and his fitness for the season opener at Hull is uncertain.
De Ligt's recovery key
De Ligt, 26, has not played since November due to a back injury that required surgery in May. “Since November I have done everything to get back to doing what I love,” he said. The former Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich defender aims to return early in the season. United's summer recruitment has been unconvincing compared to rivals. Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson for £116m, while Chelsea (Morgan Rogers, £117m) and Tottenham (Sandro Tonali, £100m, Mateus Fernandes, £85m) made big investments. United's major signing is Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, plus Andrey Santos, who made 11 league starts last season for Chelsea.
Outlook
With five weeks of the transfer window remaining, the picture may change by 1 September. But as it stands, it is difficult to make a case for a fit-for-purpose defence at United.
