MANCHESTER UNITED fans are panicking as to how Erik ten Hag will solve the club’s centre-back crisis for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.
The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be stretched for options in the heart of the defence.
GettyLisandro Martinez picked up an injury against Sevilla[/caption]
GettyRaphael Varane also suffered a knock[/caption]
While Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-finalRex
Phil Jones may be recalled if he is fitGetty
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both picked up injuries against Sevilla in the Europa League, which could rule them out of the tie.
While club captain Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-final, and Luke Shaw is still on the mend from his recent injury.
Which means that the club’s only available centre-backs would likely be Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones.
Jones has barely played for the club over the last few seasons due to injury and falling down the pecking order.
The former England international has not played this season, leaving fans discussing the club’s options on social media.
Some fans were up for giving the Premier League winner a chance.
One tweeted: “One more last time.”
While a second said: “Enters Sir Phil Jones.”
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Although one fan was completely against the idea as they declared: “I don’t care, bring someone from the academy, definitely better than Phil Jones dawg.”
However, other fans were predicting that either Scott McTominay or Casemiro could be utilised as a makeshift defender.
One fan wrote: “Casemiro has played there this season and didn’t look out of place.”
A second commented: “Casemiro I expect. He played him there with Lindelof against Burnley in the cup just before Christmas.”
Scott McTominay and Casemiro could fill in at centre back if neededGetty
A third added: “I’ll take the stick for it, but McTominay at CB as a stopgap isn’t the worse choice in the world.”
In February, Ten Hag revealed the reason for Jones’ absence from the squad this season.
The United boss said: “For the whole season he’s injured. I can’t say [if Jones will play again this season].
“What I can say is that he’s not available for training since the first day of training this season so I think there’s not an opportunity for you to recover quickly and be available quickly.”