Noussair Mazraoui
March 2026
Concern is growing that Mazraoui has picked up another injury after footage showed him leaving the stadium with a heavy limp, adding to United’s existing defensive absences. Mazraoui appeared in distress late on and was replaced, Malacia came on for a rare run-out, and United are already missing Matthijs de Ligt (back), Lisandro Martinez (calf) and Patrick Dorgu (hamstring).
Lisandro Martínez
February 2026
Michael Carrick said Lisandro Martinez picked up a minor issue in training and was left out at Everton; United still won 1-0 and stayed in strong form. Carrick said it “doesn’t seem too bad,” with sources suggesting a calf problem that could sideline Martinez up to two weeks. Yoro started alongside Maguire and United kept a rare away league clean sheet, with Sesko scoring late to secure the points.
Lisandro Martínez
February 2026
Lisandro Martinez was pulled from the squad with a calf injury, with a short layoff expected. United sources said the issue could keep him out up to two weeks, ruling him out of Everton and likely Crystal Palace, with Newcastle “touch and go.” Yoro stepped into the lineup.
Harry Maguire
February 2026
A report says Maguire is increasingly likely to sign a new deal after regaining form and minutes under Carrick, helped by De Ligt’s injury opening a route back into the starting side. United are said to be discussing a compromise on salary and contract length, with Maguire keen to stay. External interest is mentioned from Milan and Al-Qadsiah, meaning United may act quickly to avoid losing a senior centre-back for free.
Michael Carrick
January 2026
Reports claim United academy players and parents are pleased Carrick replaced Amorim, after Amorim criticised “entitlement” among youth players and faced public pushback linked to Mainoo’s lack of first-team minutes. Amorim’s comments followed social media complaints by Amass and Obi and a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt worn by Mainoo’s half-brother. Carrick’s approach is described as welcoming, and his early impact was highlighted by a 2-0 derby win over City and praise from Lisandro Martinez for harnessing the crowd’s energy.
Lisandro Martinez
January 2026
Martinez invited Scholes and Butt to confront him directly after they questioned his ability to handle Haaland, with Martinez responding that criticism is easy on television but different in person. Pre-match comments suggested Haaland would overpower Martinez, but United’s defence held firm in a derby win; Martinez used the outcome as leverage to dismiss the talk and emphasise focusing on performances.
Kyle Walker
January 2026
United supporters want action after Walker appeared to stamp on Dorgu during the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, with no red card shown. The flashpoint came late in the match as United also complained about a disallowed Martinez goal. Fans argue VAR should have reviewed the stamp and are calling for FA intervention.
Ayden Heaven
December 2025
Gary Neville praised 19-year-old defender Ayden Heaven for an outstanding Player of the Match performance against Newcastle, highlighting his aerial dominance and composure, but criticised Ruben Amorim’s second-half substitutions for destabilising United’s shape as they clung on to Patrick Dorgu’s volleyed winner. Neville lauded Heaven’s mentality after earlier struggles versus West Ham and Bournemouth, yet argued that withdrawing Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw for Tyler Fredricson and long-exiled Tyrell Malacia invited pressure, branding the late in-game configuration “bizarre” even though United ultimately ground out the result.
