Manchester United will be without Harry Maguire in the match against Chelsea, causing coach Michael Carrick to face an unwanted problem in defense.
The English center-back was sent off in the 2-2 draw away against Bournemouth last month and initially received a one-match suspension. However, 27 days later, the English Football Association (FA) confirmed that Maguire was suspended for another match for insulting the referee, thereby officially missing the away match at Stamford Bridge.
But Maguire is not Carrick's only problem. Lisandro Martinez - who replaced him in the 1-2 defeat to Leeds - received a red card for violent behavior and will be absent for the next 3 matches if the appeal is unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt has not yet been able to return due to a back injury and has been out since November last year.
It was a shocking decision to send off Lisandro Martinez. For 2 consecutive matches we have encountered unfavorable decisions, but this situation is one of the worst things I have ever seen.
You can elbow Leny Yoro's head, swing your hand into Lisandro Martinez's face causing him to lose balance, and then just touch the opponent's hair lightly and get chased away. It's not pulling, not jerking, not violent at all. The worst thing is that the referee is asked to review it as a clear foul. It's unacceptable" - Carrick said about Martinez's red card.
At this time, Carrick only has two true center-backs left: Leny Yoro (20 years old) and Ayden Heaven (19 years old). The captain of the "Red Devils" will have to make a big decision: put faith in young players or find a solution that adjusts tactics?
Potential solution Ayden Heaven
In 21 appearances since joining Arsenal, Heaven rarely appears out of place. He shows calmness in defense and confidence when holding the ball. Although he has only played for about 20 minutes since Carrick took over, this young center-back has received trust from Ruben Amorim and Darren Fletcher.
With this option, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will take on the two wings.
Pull Luke Shaw into the center
Shaw is no stranger to playing deep, especially in the 3-center-back system before. If paired with Yoro, he will bring experience and certainty. At that time, Dalot can play on the left, while Noussair Mazraoui will take charge of the right flank.
Unexpected plan Casemiro
Casemiro used to have experience playing center-back for both Man United and Real Madrid. The Brazilian international possesses good match reading and coverage, although speed limitations are something to consider. If choosing this option, Man United may have to sacrifice some strength in midfield.
Back to the 3-center-back formation
This is a system that Amorim used to use in the previous period. Mazraoui's experience in the lateral center-back role may be useful, but changing Carrick's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation at a sensitive time is not easy to happen.
In the context that the top 4 race is entering a decisive stage, Carrick's way of solving the defense problem may directly affect Man United's chances of winning a Champions League spot.
The match between Chelsea and Man United takes place at 2:00 AM on April 19 (Vietnam time).
