United have “doubts” over these two veteran stars, Carrick has asked INEOS to bring in reinforcements – report

Apart from midfield, Manchester United have pressing issues to address both at the heart of defence and out wide on the left. Both Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt remain injury-prone while Harry Maguire, despite signing a new deal, is 33 years old. It would be a mistake for Michael Carrick to place all his trust in the veteran, knowing the Red Devils will play three times in a week. The same applies to the left-back spot. Luke Shaw did start all Premier League games this past term, but given his injury record, INEOS simply cannot afford not to strengthen in his position. Centre-back and left-back upgrades needed With Tyrell Malacia set to leave and Patrick Dorgu likely to play in a more advanced role, a new left-back needs to be signed. ESPN have revealed that the co-owners are aware that both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw cannot handle three games in a week. This is why there are plans to reinforce the centre-back and left-back positions, along with the planned midfield revamp. “Central midfield is the priority. It’s an area of the squad which needed attention anyway, but particularly now after Casemiro’s departure. United will sign at least one midfielder, but it could be as many as three if the budget allows. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw cannot be trusted “New permanent head coach Michael Carrick and the recruitment team are facing an issue in that, while the first XI needs strengthening, they also need more squad players to cope with the added demands of Champions League football next season. “Enquiries have been made about left wingers, central defenders and left backs. Luke Shaw is Carrick’s first-choice left back, but there are doubts about whether the 30-year-old will be able to handle three games a week next season. The same goes for 33-year-old Harry Maguire at centre back.” Bringing in three midfielders will take up most of the budget, so it remains to be seen how much is left over for the defence and left-back positions. The 20-time English league champions have Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven waiting in the wings to take over at centre-back. But both Harry Amass and Diego Leon remain raw, which means bringing in a left-back is a more pressing concern. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall are among the names being looked at by the club. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25