Harry Maguire has been ruled out for at least three weeks after sustaining a muscle injury.
The 31-year-old started United’s past six matches and was among the nominees for the club’s April Player of the Month award.
A brief statement released by the club on Sunday evening read (via ManUtd.com): “Harry Maguire has sustained a muscle injury that will keep him out for about three weeks.”
This creates an extra headache for Erik ten Hag’s side because it means United have no senior centre-backs fit for Monday night’s trip to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Casemiro is fully expected to take the lead at the back.
As a result, there are only two clear options that Ten Hag can select alongside Casemiro ahead of tonight’s game.
The safe option
Ten Hag welcomed Jonny Evans back to training this week, but it might be a push to expect him back on the pitch just three weeks following an injury lay-off.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Ten Hag said: “Jonny Evans returned today in the team training and, tomorrow, we will see if it is enough before the two days before the game.”
Of all the centre-backs we’ve got to rush back from injury, Evans might be the safer option.
That said, Ten Hag does not want to be going into an FA Cup final this month without any of his top defenders fit.
Step into the unknown
The other option is to look to the academy, which is something Ten Hag has done throughout the season as multiple players became academy graduates.
Louis Jackson, 18, could be in with a chance after making the bench in United’s last three games. It would be a huge step up, but these kids know that opportunities like this are rarely planned. They need to be ready to take it when it comes their way.
Let us know what option you think Ten Hag will take when United take on Crystal Palace.
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