Three ways Ruben Amorim can replace Lisandro Martínez including using “incredible” Manchester United star

There are several potential ways that Ruben Amorim can replace Manchester United star Lisandro Martínez after his unfortunate injury.

Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon was a significant setback for Ruben Amorim and his squad, but an even greater concern arose late in the match.

In the 82nd minute, Lisandro Martínez challenged Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr for a 50-50 ball but fell awkwardly as his knee twisted unnaturally.

Martínez remained on the ground for several minutes, visibly in pain and emotional, as several medics rushed to his aid. Following a lengthy stoppage, he was stretchered off and replaced by Matthijs de Ligt.

A vital presence in Amorim’s defence, Martínez had started 15 of United’s last 16 matches, contributing two goals and an assist in 2025.

Around 24 hours after his injury at Old Trafford, reliable Argentine journalist Gaston Edul confirmed that the United centre-back has suffered damage to his cruciate ligaments.

He will be unavailable for selection for the rest of the season and he may not return to action until mid-way into the 2025/26 campaign.

Amorim needs to figure out the best way to replace the Argentine star and there are several options that he will be considering.

Yoro or De Ligt moves across and Mazraoui returns

The first move that the manager will look at is perhaps the safest, with either Leny Yoro or Matthijs de Ligt moving from right centre-back to left.

Yoro has played several games on the left side beforehand, while this could also open up space for Noussair Mazraoui to play at right centre-back, who Amorim described as “incredible” when he played in the back three.

Since the team will be losing Martínez’s progressive abilities, it feels important for Mazraoui is in the team as he is the second-best player on the ball to play in United’s backline.

Shaw returns to the team

Ideally, you would be looking at bringing Luke Shaw into the team as he is the closest replacement to Martínez in terms of playstyle.

Yet, no fan of the club would be confident that he can fill the void in the position for the rest of the season due to his injury problems.

If he does manage to prove his fitness, Shaw would probably be Amorim’s preferred option.

Trust the youth

The third option for Amorim would be to trust the youth and bring Ayden Heaven into the team. It seems unlikely but the young defender has joined the club as a first-team signing.

That means he will likely get chances in the team and if he impresses, the teenager could find his way to being the best option on the left side of the defence.

He is left-footed and comfortable in possession, which is crucial for the way Amorim wants to play, but untested at the highest level.

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.