Manchester United fear they could be without centre-back Lisandro Martinez for the rest of the season with a suspected knee injury.
The Argentine international was forced off on a stretcher in the closing stages of Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Martinez was left in tears following the innocuous tangle with Palace ace Ismaila Sarr.
United are yet to confirm the extent of Martinez's injury but the Manchester Evening News understands he might not play again this season. The Reds are likely to provide an official diagnosis ahead of Friday night's FA Cup clash with Leicester City.
READ MORE: Man Utd wrapped up January deals for £47m star and player Sir Alex Ferguson loved
READ MORE: Manchester United's new signing might be thrown into deep end after injury blow
Martinez, 27, had recently been enjoying his best run of form this season, establishing himself as a key fixture on the left of United's back-three. He provided the assist for Bruno Fernandes' winner against Rangers last month before scoring a winner of his own against Fulham three days later.
Losing a player of such importance leaves United head coach Ruben Amorim having to fill a huge void in defence. Below, MEN Sport has looked at three solutions the Portuguese chief could consider during the former Ajax man's absence:
De Ligt gets a new role
Martinez is United's only senior left-footed centre-back, meaning his period of absence is going to create a headache for Amorim in more ways than one. He offers United balance on the left of the back-three and with no like-for-like replacement of a senior level available, the Reds risk becoming unbalanced.
United strengthened their centre-back pool on Saturday, swooping for youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Despite being signed to go straight into the first-team squad, he has only ever made one competitive appearance at senior level - and that was a substitute appearance that amounted to just ten minutes.
Amid his inexperience, Amorim may have to oversee a reshuffle that sees Matthijs de Ligt deployed as the left-sided centre-back, despite the Dutchman being naturally right-footed. Harry Maguire is at his best in the middle of the back-three and Leny Yoro is considered as a long-term option at right-sided centre-back.
Shaw picks up the baton
Luke Shaw's impending return from injury may not have been timed any better. The England international has been involved in first-team training at Carrington recently and the hope is he will soon be available to make his long-awaited return from his latest setback.
Shaw has made just three substitute appearances for United this season and last started a game for the club almost a year ago. As injury-prone as he has become in recent years, he is one of the Reds' best defenders when he is fit.
The former Southampton man was often deployed as a makeshift centre-back in a back-four under former United manager Erik ten Hag, meaning there is a strong belief he would cope just fine as the left-sided centre-back in a back-three. He has both the defensive nous and the ball-playing expertise to operate in that role.
Above all, he would give United a left-footed presence in the back-three, and that is crucial in their quest for balance. However, his injury record is an obvious concern.
Dorgu steps in
United sealed the signing of Denmark international Patrick Dorgu from Italian side Lecce on Sunday. They have drafted him in to try and solve their left-sided problems.
United have spent almost all season without a left-sided player in the left-back/left wing-back position and Dorgu is expected to become a staple in Amorim's vision to take the club forward. However, his versatile profile also enables him to play at centre-back.
In an ideal world, United should only be tempted to play Dorgu at centre-back as a last resort option. They have signed the 20-year-old to play in his strongest position and that is at left wing-back.
United need to improve their wing play under Amorim and the Dane is going to be central to that mission. Tasking him with the job of playing in what is not his strongest position would not help him in his quest to nail down the left wing-back role.
