Simon Stone – Manchester United reporter
Mon, April 6, 2026 at 5:35 PM UTC
Manchester United defenders Lisandro Martinez (left) and Matthijs de Ligt (right)
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick will be hoping Lisandro Martinez comes through training unscathed in Dublin this week to avoid a central defensive selection headache for next Monday’s Premier League clash with Leeds.
Harry Maguire will definitely miss the Old Trafford encounter following his red card just before the international break at Bournemouth that could yet land him with a two match suspension.
There is no sign of Matthijs De Ligt returning from the back problem that has kept him out for over four months. De Ligt was missing from the 25-man squad United took to Dublin for a four-day camp and it is understood he is still to start meaningful training.
Martinez was in the United travelling party though. The Argentina international has missed five games with a calf problem.
If Martinez is not fit enough to face Leeds, Carrick will likely pair youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in central defence against the FA Cup semi-finalists.
Full-back Diogo Dalot and goalkeeper Tom Heaton have both been ruled out of the Dublin trip due to illness but Patrick Dorgu, who has missed eight games with a hamstring problem, did travel.
United have left behind most of their Under-21 players, including Shea Lacey and the Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler, to allow them to play in the Premier League International Cup quarter-final against Real Madrid at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel also misses out, although Under-18 pair Jim Thwaites and Yuel Helafu are involved.
United stay in Dublin until Thursday before returning to Manchester to continue their preparations for the Leeds game.
