Man Utd dealt huge injury blow as Michael Carrick forced into rethink vs Chelsea

BREAKING: Man Utd dealt huge injury blow as Michael Carrick forced into rethink vs ChelseaManchester United travelled to Chelsea with only a single recognised centre-back following injuries to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are suspendedCommentsSportNathan Ridley Senior Sports Reporter18:45, 18 Apr 2026Updated 18:54, 18 Apr 2026View ImageMichael Carrick has called on Ayden Heaven amid Manchester United's defensive crisis(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Noussair Mazraoui is set to partner Ayden Heaven at centre-back for Manchester United as part of a makeshift defence against Chelsea. Michael Carrick has been forced to call on Mazraoui, a right-back by trade, and 19-year-old Heaven after Leny Yoro joined three of his fellow central defenders in missing the trip to Stamford Bridge.‌United were already with Matthijs de Ligt due to a long-term back injury before their crisis worsened this week. Firstly, Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card for violent conduct during Monday's limp 2-1 loss at home to Leeds.‌His suspension was upheld despite an appeal from United and means that Martinez will be suspended for three matches. Then on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Harry Maguire would be banned for the Chelsea game.‌Maguire's outburst towards the officials in last month's 2-2 draw away to Bournemouth resulted in his one-match ban being extended to two. The centre-back also received a £30,000 fine.Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Delap‌Man Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; SeskoThere will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.Article continues belowFollow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News,...