Forget Heaven: Carrick has £56.7m solution to Maguire problem, poised to start vs Leeds

Manchester United played out a dramatic 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday evening.

It was another Premier League spectacle between the two sides, following their unforgettable 4-4 thriller earlier in the season.

However, this time the spotlight shifted from the players to the officials, with refereeing decisions dominating the second-half narrative.

Former United captain Harry Maguire was shown a straight red card in the 78th minute for dragging Evanilson down inside the penalty box.

Bruno Fernandes did not hold back after the final whistle, openly criticising the officiating.

While United could yet appeal the decision, interim head coach Michael Carrick must now prepare for the next fixture without one of his most reliable defenders.

Maguire has started all 10 games under Carrick, showing leadership and dominant penalty-box defending.

His absence would be felt, especially during aerial duels.

Ayden Heaven is a natural replacement but the United head coach could instead turn to the club’s best centre-back when Leeds United visit Old Trafford.

We are talking about Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentine is set to return from his calf injury against Leeds on April 13. He has missed the last five games after being ever-present under Carrick.

The £56.7 million signing will instantly boost United’s build-up play from the back.

His sharp, incisive passing has the ability to unlock defences and release forwards in behind.

He has a passing accuracy of more than 90% in the league this season. On an average, he has impressed by making more than five recoveries in every game this season.

Heaven would be disheartened at not getting the starting opportunity but a fully fit Martinez always starts for the Red Devils.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .