Manchester United's Defensive Woes Continue: Down to One Fit Centre-Back
28th Different Back Four Fielded Since the Start of the Season
Concerns Mount Ahead of Coventry City FA Cup Semi-Final
Manchester United's defensive injury crisis has deepened, with only one fit centre-back remaining ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City this weekend. The Red Devils have fielded an astonishing 28 different back fours since the start of the season, highlighting the constant chopping and changing that has plagued their defence.
French international Raphaël Varane is the only senior centre-back currently available to manager Erik ten Hag. Harry Maguire is still recovering from illness, while Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are both sidelined with injuries. This leaves Ten Hag with a major selection headache as he prepares for the crucial FA Cup clash.
The lack of stability at the back has been a significant factor in United's inconsistent form this season. They have kept just four clean sheets in their last 16 games in all competitions, and their opponents have often found it easy to create chances against them.
Coventry City, who are currently 12th in the Championship, will be hoping to exploit United's defensive vulnerabilities when the two teams meet at Wembley on Sunday. The Sky Blues have already knocked out Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in this season's FA Cup, and they will be confident of causing an upset.
Ten Hag will need to find a way to shore up his defence if United are to have any chance of winning the FA Cup this season. Varane will be crucial, but the Dutchman may also have to consider playing a midfielder or full-back in the centre of defence.
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