MU: Carrick still needs to strengthen the defense

With the new season nearly upon us, the backline still hasn't completely set Michael Carrick's mind at ease, despite MU having no shortage of options in this area.

The issue is not about MU lacking center-backs on paper, but rather the ability to maintain a defense that is physically fit, high-quality, and deep enough throughout the entire season.

Having Martinez and De Ligt back is not enough

Lisandro Martinez has returned to train with MU after joining Argentina for the World Cup. However, Carrick hasn't immediately used the Argentine center-back in the final matches of the preseason. This doesn't mean Martinez has suffered a new injury. The problem is that he has just had a long summer with the Argentine national team and needs time to get back to his best form. Meanwhile, de Ligt is also not fully ready. Thus, the two most anticipated center-backs are entering the season without ideal physical condition.

Carrick still has Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven. Among them, Yoro is expected to play an increasingly important role, while Heaven is still gaining first-team experience.

Having such backup options means the squad is not lacking in numbers, but the question is whether the quality of the second and third choices is sufficient for MU to maintain stability when the schedule becomes congested.

MU still needs to add defenders

Jhon Lucumi, Bologna's center-back, is one of the names linked with MU in recent days. Lucumi fits a specific need for MU: he is a left-footed center-back with Serie A experience.

Additionally, MU is also considering another option for the left-back position: Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander. The 19-year-old player has a release clause worth around £14 million. This shows that MU's need to strengthen the defense is not limited to the center-back position.

Carrick is building a defense capable of meeting various demands. When the team plays with three center-backs, the ability to have players flexible enough to handle wide center-back or full-back roles becomes even more important.

That is also why a new signing in defense does not necessarily have to become an immediate starter. They can help increase depth, create more competition, and reduce the pressure on players with a history of injuries.

Therefore, it cannot be said that MU's defense is currently in a "crisis." The team still has many players who can play in central defense. The issue is that the reliability of this group is not high enough for Carrick to feel confident entering a long season.

If Martinez and De Ligt maintain good physical condition, Yoro continues to develop in the right direction, and Maguire remains consistent, MU could well have a defense capable of competing. But top-level football cannot rely solely on an ideal scenario.

A long season means injuries, suspensions, fixture congestion, and matches that force the coach to rotate. At that point, depth becomes a decisive factor. Carrick therefore has reason to continue searching for a new defender. The goal is not necessarily to replace Martinez or Maguire, but to create an additional reliable option for the entire season. For MU, this could be a preventive investment rather than a sign that the current defense lacks quality. In the context of Carrick wanting to bring the team back to a competitive position in the Premier League, proactively strengthening the defense before problems arise is still more sensible than waiting for injuries or suspensions to force him to change his plans.