Club have been light in the defensive areas at times this season but interim coach insists it’s “not an area of concern” for now
Michael Carrick has insisted he has no immediate concerns over Manchester United’s central defensive options despite ongoing injury and suspension issues.
United are pushing for Champions League qualification with four games to go in the Premier League, and the club are already making plans of reinforcing their defence ahead of the summer transfer window. Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven has recently been linked with a move for example.
A number of absences this season left 19-year-old Ayden Heaven as the only recognised centre-back in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Chelsea. However, Harry Maguire is set to return from suspension for the upcoming game against Brentford, while Leny Yoro could also be available.
Lisandro Martinez remains suspended, while Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined since November with a back problem.
“It’s not an area of concern for me at this moment in time,” Carrick said regarding United’s defence. “At the moment and timing-wise, talking about the summer and what goes beyond that, I think it’s difficult to elaborate on that really.
“Licha [Martinez] is actually missing games for a different reason at the minute, which we won’t go into, but I understand why you are asking it.
“But, no, I haven’t got concerns. I think we’ve got a mixed blend there of experience, of real quality and some young I’d say more than talented [players] really. Two promising young players [Heaven and Yoro] that have already shown what they can do. I thought Ayden was fantastic last week in such a difficult game.
“I haven’t got concerns as I sit here. Obviously, what the future looks like, I can’t really get involved because I’m not sure myself.
“In terms of Matta [De Ligt], he’s working towards being fit again. He’s a little bit on the grass and it’s progress, but there is not much else I can say. It’s one of those injuries and he’s rehabbing, he’s working to get fit, so we’re hoping to have him back as soon as possible.”
