Man Utd Defence Concerns for Carrick's First Full Season

With Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Matthijs De Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez at his disposal, Michael Carrick can point to a group combining promising talent with experienced defenders capable of protecting Manchester United’s back line.

However, the 44-year-old is understood to have reservations about all five centre-backs, particularly because the club does not intend to recruit in that area unless at least one player leaves. Do they offer the right balance of youthful energy and proven success, or could injuries and defensive weaknesses undermine them over a demanding season?

Carrick enters his first complete campaign as manager with United potentially competing across four tournaments for the first time under his leadership: the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and, following a two-season absence, the Champions League.

Carrick stepped in temporarily last January after Ruben Amorim was dismissed, inheriting a team with 17 league fixtures remaining and no involvement in other competitions. He made a strong impression by restoring stability after the turmoil surrounding the Portuguese coach’s departure. United ended the season seventh with 32 points, nine fewer than third-placed Aston Villa.

The new campaign will provide a far more demanding examination of Carrick’s credentials, given that he has managed United for only 20 matches. His team suffered just two losses during last season’s 17-game league run, both by 2-1 scorelines against Newcastle and Leeds, while allowing 18 goals. United became difficult to defeat, but a closer assessment of the five central defenders raises serious concerns, even though full-backs Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw can also cover the position.

Yoro, 20, and Heaven, 19, have so far offered glimpses of their ability rather than consistent performances, and both must develop into dependable defenders this season.

Yoro is the more experienced of the pair, having played 66 times since his £52m move from Lille in 2024, although occasional mistakes have affected his displays. After two campaigns at the club, United hope his 6ft 3in stature, impressive acceleration and composed approach will help him reach a higher level.

Heaven, who stands 6ft 2in, arrived from Arsenal for a modest fee in February 2025 and made 11 league starts last season. He combines technical quality and speed with a stronger physical frame. He says: “I’m still young, so patience is important, particularly in my role. Very few 19-year-olds start every week. I understand the decisions aren’t personal, and I’m ready to wait for my chance.”

Maguire, now 33, is at a very different stage of his career. The former England international brings intelligence, determination and experience, but his limited pace could leave him vulnerable. Although Thomas Tuchel omitted him from the World Cup squad, the former United captain remains an influential leader and understands what is required to succeed after featuring in the club’s 2024 Carabao Cup victory.

Under Carrick, Maguire would likely start the season as a first-choice defender alongside Martínez. The 28-year-old Argentinian, however, continues to struggle with injuries. A muscle issue forced him off before half-time in the World Cup final loss to Spain, leaving him doubtful for the opening match at Hull.

Martínez delivered an outstanding performance when United beat Manchester City 2-1 in the 2025 FA Cup final, prompting Pep Guardiola to describe him as “one of the world’s five best centre-backs”. Whatever qualities “The Butcher” possesses, Carrick cannot be confident that he will remain available throughout the season.

De Ligt’s physical condition may be an even bigger worry. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since the 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on 30 November because of a back problem that eventually required surgery in May. After the operation, he said: “Since November, I’ve tried everything, working hard in every training session and considering every possible solution, so I can return to what I love most: playing football.”

United hope De Ligt, a league champion with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich, can return near the beginning of the campaign. Nevertheless, doubts surrounding De Ligt, Maguire, Martínez, Yoro and Heaven reflect the club’s underwhelming summer transfer activity so far, especially when measured against the business completed by their competitors.

Manchester City recruited Eliott Anderson for £116m, while Chelsea spent £117m on Morgan Rogers. Tottenham also invested heavily, paying £100m for Sandro Tonali and £85m for Mateus Fernandes. United’s principal arrival, in comparison, is 29-year-old Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, alongside Andrey Santos, a 22-year-old who started only 11 league matches for Chelsea last season.

With five weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, the situation could look very different by 1 September. For now, however, it is difficult to argue that Carrick has a defence adequately equipped for the challenges facing United.