Brighton vs Manchester United FA semi-final tv channels in Kenya
Brighton vs Manchester United FA semi-final

This weekend, Manchester United only have one experienced centre-back ready as they travel to Wembley to face Brighton in the FA Cup semifinal.


Before the season's most crucial instances last week, United had a full-strength centre-back duo on hand.


Today, after suffering injuries against Sevilla late at night, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are both sidelined for the remainder of the season.


Varane was substituted at halftime and will be out for a few weeks, but he should be back for the last few games.


Martinez, who might be out for up to eight weeks after breaking his fifth metatarsal, won't be able to play again until the beginning of the pre-season

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Due to this and Harry Maguire's FA Cup ban, Erik ten Hag's squad will be lacking in defensive depth against the team Pep Guardiola has praised the most this season in the semi-final.


The Seagulls' fearsome assault, coupled with what Manchester City's manager labelled the "best in the world" build-up play, is a huge source of worry for United.


Ten Hag will have to be creative to fill the void, as Victor Lindelof's participation seems to be a lock.


Phil Jones, who for some reason is still with the team, is not an option since he has missed every training session this season.


This raises the issue of who will serve as the Swedish international's temporary companion on Sunday.


In the fourth round of the League Cup against Burnley earlier this year, Casemiro stepped in as centre-back.


While Brighton may be a step too far, Casemiro might be a possibility to pair Lindelof with Luke Shaw (if healthy) and Wan-Bissaka or Dalot on the sides.


Additionally, Ten Hag will benefit more from Casemiro's preferred role in defensive midfield, particularly given Brighton's skilled and well-rounded midfield.


Even if Maguire were available, Shaw would be the candidate that most people would choose to fill the Martinez position.


Shaw has often shown the potential to perform at the highest standard and in contests under pressure as a centre-back, but his physical condition may be in doubt.


Shaw's absence would force Lindelöf to play on the right side, with Shaw on the left, and possibly Diogo Dalot continuing in a flipped left-back role with Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back.


Shaw put in strong defensive performances against Manchester City in the 2-1 Old Trafford victory and against Barcelona at Camp Nou.


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