23/06/2025
Manchester United currently have three strong natural left-sided centre-backs, each with unique qualities and varying levels of experience.
The first is Lisandro Martínez – a tough, passionate, and world-class defender. When fit, he brings leadership, intensity, and top-level quality to United’s backline. However, his major drawback is his recurring injury problems. As talented as he is, Martínez cannot be relied upon to stay fit throughout an entire season, which makes it difficult for the team to build consistent defensive stability around him.
The second is Leny Yoro, a highly promising young centre-back who is still in the process of adapting to the Premier League. Calm under pressure, strong in aerial duels, and excellent in building from the back, Yoro has already shown great potential. Although he has had a few injury concerns, they are far less frequent than Martínez’s. Importantly, new manager Rúben Amorim has shown faith in Yoro, starting him regularly from the beginning of his tenure.
The third is Ayden Heaven, a £1 million wonderkid signed from Arsenal last summer. Despite his young age, he has already made a few first-team appearances, including a notable performance against his former club Arsenal in a back-three system. Heaven is highly regarded within the club, and many believe he has the potential to become one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs in the future.
Manchester United are well-stocked in this position, but each option comes with its own circumstances. Martínez is the most experienced and accomplished but too injury-prone. Yoro is a balanced mix of talent, composure, and availability, and already has the manager’s trust. Heaven is full of potential, but still in the early stages of his development.
It is safe to say we are good to go without injuries but who is more likely to own this position next season?