Ratcliffe decides that senior United man will surprisingly stay at club despite injury-stricken season – report

A defensive overhaul has been lined up for Manchester United this summer after one of their most debilitating injury crises to date.

As it stands, there have been 56 separate cases of injury or illness that’s led to a player missing at least one game this season, with the latest addition being Scott McTominay ahead of last Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.

The one area that’s been affected the most is undoubtedly the backline. Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof had already been ruled out of action for a month at the beginning of last week before Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans were forced off in the defeat at Stamford Bridge and ruled out of the subsequent Liverpool fixture.

It left only Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala available to deputise in what came as Ten Hag’s 26th different back four this term.

How the reshuffle could shape up

Reports had suggested across the term that the revamp in defence could lead to the likes of Lindelof leaving. Varane’s contract is already due to expire in June so he’s set to bid farewell, while Maguire’s resurgent form may see him kept at Old Trafford long-term for depth.

Evans, who signed on a one-year deal last year, has played far more games than he – or any of us – expected since embarking on his second United stint.

As per Football Insider, Lindelof, 29, is one player whose future has reportedly been decided by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co; the Swede will not be sold in the summer window despite making just 20 starts in all competitions thus far.