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Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has turned to the club’s youth ranks to reinforce his squad after Lisandro Martínez suffered a severe injury. The Argentine center-back was taken off on a stretcher during United’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace after an awkward landing from a challenge with Ismaïla Sarr. His visible distress and the immediate concern shown by teammates made it clear that the injury was serious, posing a major setback for United’s defensive setup. Martínez had been a crucial figure under Amorim, having started 15 of the team’s last 16 matches. In addition to his defensive stability, he had contributed two goals and an assist in the 2025 season, making his absence a significant blow for the team’s domestic and European ambitions.
With limited defensive options, Amorim has chosen to promote 17-year-old Dante Plunkett to first-team training. The young defender, who joined Manchester United from Aston Villa in May 2024, shared the news on Instagram, expressing his excitement at training with the senior squad. Plunkett’s elevation comes after an impressive season with United’s U18 side, where he has stood out due to his defensive awareness and versatility. Though primarily a left-back, his ability to read the game and adapt to various defensive roles has caught the attention of United’s coaching staff. Additionally, his attacking contributions have been noteworthy, having scored two goals and provided two assists this season.
United’s defensive situation is already precarious, with Luke Shaw still recovering from injury. This leaves Amorim with only a few established defensive options, including Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven, while Noussair Mazraoui could also be deployed in a makeshift defensive role. By integrating Plunkett into the first team, Amorim appears to be prioritizing internal solutions rather than looking for emergency signings. The key question now is whether Plunkett will earn competitive minutes or if this move is purely for his development. Given United’s packed schedule, there is a real possibility that the teenager could make an appearance, especially in cup fixtures or as a substitute late in games.
Fans have expressed mixed opinions regarding this decision. Some are excited about seeing a homegrown talent given an opportunity at the senior level, while others feel the club should have focused on securing a more experienced defender during the transfer window. With United facing a crucial period in their campaign, Amorim’s defensive strategies will be under scrutiny as he navigates this challenge. Plunkett’s potential involvement in upcoming matches will be closely watched, as supporters wait to see if the young defender can rise to the occasion.
