Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a depleted defensive line for Friday’s trip to Bournemouth, with up to eight players potentially sidelined including long-term absentee Matthijs de Ligt.
Manchester United travel to Bournemouth tonight missing several key defenders. Matthijs de Ligt remains out with a persistent back injury, while Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez are also unavailable.
Noussair Mazraoui is a fresh doubt following illness. Carrick admitted the uncertainty surrounding De Ligt, stating, “It’s difficult to say… it’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not.”
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola faces his own selection headaches at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries will be without Justin Kluivert, Tyler Adams, and Lewis Cook for the Friday night clash.
Despite these absences, United aim to strengthen their top-four position following a recent victory over Aston Villa.
Carrick remains cautious but hopeful about Martinez’s recovery, noting that the Argentine center-back is “closer, a lot closer” to a first-team return.