Manchester United have begun looking for a centre back to join the club on loan for the rest of the season after learning of Harry Maguire's hip injury.
Maguire failed a late fitness test ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City, and further tests revealed that the world's most expensive defender had actually suffered a torn hip muscle, meaning he is set for a number of weeks on the sidelines.
With Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe all battling injuries and doubts over the long-term future of Marcos Rojo, United are left with just Victor Lindelöf as their only senior centre-back available. As a result, the Manchester Evening News claim that the club have started looking for help.
There is a belief that the squad may not be able to handle the next few months as a result of all the injury struggles, so United want to bring in someone on a temporary basis who can provide cover until the end of the season.
There are no names mentioned just yet, although various reports have linked United to the likes of Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti and Hellas Verona youngster Marash Kumbulla.
Bailly and Tuanzebe are both expected back in the near future, although there are concerns about both players' abilities to stay fit for an extended period of time - especially if they are forced to play a substantial number of games.
Jones damaged his leg during the 3-1 loss to City, meaning Lindelöf may have to line up alongside 19-year-old Di'Shon Bernard, who has been used as emergency defensive cover thus far, when the Red Devils meet Norwich City on Saturday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side certainly need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, with fans growing incredibly frustrated with the team's performances in the last two games.
Alongside the humiliating loss to City, United failed to even register a shot on target during their recent 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup, so a poor result against Premier League strugglers Norwich would only lead to even more pressure on the manager.
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Source :
90min
