Man Utd could be forced into history making decision as the club’s injury crisis reaches disastrous new level

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Man Utd could be forced into history making decision as the club’s injury crisis reaches disastrous new level
Man Utd could be forced into history making decision as the club’s injury crisis reaches disastrous new level
United are in a tricky situation.
Alex Brotherton
Alex Brotherton

Published 08:39 23 Apr 2024 GMT+1
Updated 08:40 23 Apr 2024 GMT+1
Manchester United could be forced into making an historic decision due to the worsening injury crisis at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s squad has been ravaged by injury this season, and things got even worse during their FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City.

United blew a 3-0 lead in the final 20 minutes to draw 3-3, and after VAR ruled out a would-be Coventry winner in the dying seconds of extra-time, the Premier League side prevailed in the penalty shootout.Although United’s dignity was spared – just about – the health of their players was not.Scott McTominay was substituted during extra-time with a groin injury, after Marcus Rashford limped off the field at the end of normal time.

Harry Maguire suffered a groin issue of his own, but he had to continue as United had already used their four substitution slots.All three are doubts to face Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday, and face a long list of first-team stars on the treatment table.

Willy Kambwala, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount all joined the injury list last week, while the centre-back quartet of Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane all remain unavailable.Erik ten Hag on the touchline during Manchester United vs. Coventry City. Image: Getty
Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw remain long-term absentees, while Anthony Martial is unlikely to feature again before his contract expires in the summer.The fact that Ten Hag has selected 28 different defensive combinations in 45 games this term sums up United’s woes.

The crisis could also force the Dutch coach into making an historic decision.

Back in January Amari Forson became the 249th academy player to make his United first-team debut, and the landmark 250th could soon come.Teenagers Louis Jackson, Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye and Ethan Wheatley were all on the bench at Wembley on Sunday, so it seems likely that one of them could claim the honour of becoming the 250th academy debutant.It sounds like Manchester United is facing a serious injury crisis. The situation seems dire, with key players like Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Maguire all suffering injuries. It’s unfortunate that they’re dealing with so many setbacks, but it’s also an opportunity for young academy players to step up and make their mark on the team.