Erik ten Hag makes emergency Man United decision ahead of Bournemouth clash

Erik ten Hag has taken the emergency decision to call up 18-year-old centre-back Jack Kingdon to first-team training ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League tie against Bournemouth.

Manchester United are continuing to suffer a horrid injury crisis in defence as Erik ten Hag prepares his side to face Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The Old Trafford club will be without central defenders Lisandro Martínez, Raphaël Varane, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelöf for the game, while left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also remain out through injury.

Read More: Man United could discover major news soon after director confirms “lots of enquiries”

Against Liverpool, United had no choice but to field Willy Kambwala and Harry Maguire at the back ahead of André Onana, with the 19-year-old French defender earning rightful praise for his performances.

However, Ten Hag has now decided to call up another academy defender to compensate for the defensive emergency unfolding at Carrington.

Emergency decision made

According to information from the Manchester Evening News, 18-year-old centre-half Jack Kingdon has now been promoted to first-team training.

Kingdon is set to join the first-team squad for their final training session ahead of the Saturday trip down south in order to help compensate for the six defenders who are currently unavailable.

PODCAST: What next for Casemiro? | Do United Have Low Football IQ?| What The Devil Ep 12

Whether or not Kingdon is included in the matchday squad is something fans are due to find out on either Friday evening when the side travels to Bournemouth or Saturday afternoon once the line-ups are released.

Who is Jack Kingdon

Kingdon signed for United in 2020 for a six-figure sum following a successful two-week trial period at the club, joining from Morecambe.

He was born in Bolton and initially played for Greater Manchester grassroots club FC Strikerz Avengers before joining Morecambe at the U12s level. He made waves in academy circles when he appeared for Morecambe U18s side while he was still at the U14s level.

Kingdon has started 13 times for United’s U18s team, which has taken the Premier League table by storm. He’s considered very strong, pacy, and able to read the game well from the back.

He has represented Scotland at multiple levels and has, on occasion, worn the armband for them.