Victor Lindelof will be hoping to take full most of his opportunity to make the most of his misfortune.
The Swedish international has played a supporting role for Manchester United this season but is about to be thrown into the spotlight during a crucial week for the season. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both sustained injuries that will prevent them from traveling to Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the Premier League, among other things. Varane will be out for several weeks, and Martinez is gone for the entire season.
On Thursday, United travels to Sevilla for the second leg of their Europa League last-eight match before facing Brighton at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinal. Lindelof could easily start the following three games because Harry Maguire was suspended for the latter.
The 28-year-old, who has started just 15 games this season and five in the league, would see a shift in his fortunes. Lindelof has played just 550 minutes in the top division since he is lower on the center back pecking order; occasionally Luke Shaw is chosen there.
The Swedish player has battled to obtain game time under Erik ten Hag and wants more of it. As the defender enters the final year of his Old Trafford deal, his long-term future is uncertain.
In an interview last month while on international duty where he made it apparent he wanted to play more, Lindelof claimed that a transfer wasn't on his thoughts.
"Of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I haven't done that this season," he said. "I want to play, that's why I play football, I want to play games, but I haven't thought about that [transfer away], right now I'm just focusing on the national team and then of course, the rest of the season with the club. Then in the summer we'll re-evaluate and see what is best."
Old Trafford may probably be the topic of conversation over the summer, but for the time being, Lindelof has the chance to build a claim to be mentioned more. Ten Hag has occasionally neglected him this season, but the United manager will now be depending on him to keep up the pursuit of the silverware on two fronts.
It is the outcome the athlete has been hoping for. United and Ten Hag will be hoping he is prepared.
Manchester United's defensive solution
The loss of their two best defenders will serve as a constant reminder of the harm that was done to Manchester United after their late collapse against Sevilla in midweek.
United still has a good opportunity to advance to the Europa League final four going into next week's second leg in Spain, but those chances have definitely decreased after their most recent injury report.
After being taken from the game at halftime due to an injury, Raphael Varane will be out for a few weeks. In less than two years at the club, he had already missed 25 matches due to eight different illnesses or injuries.
By next month, the Frenchman ought to be back in action. Lisandro Martinez, who has been ruled out for the duration of the season, is simply hoping to return to play by next year.
Any team would be affected by losing two of its finest players, but United's recovery has been supported by their world-class defensive tandem, so their absence is felt more keenly.
In the upcoming games, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will be expected to step in for them, and Luke Shaw might be brought in to play center defense, especially with club captain Maguire suspended for the FA Cup semifinal against Brighton the following week.
Luke Shaw is skilled at playing the auxiliary position in the middle of the defense, but Ten Hag has other last-minute options to lighten the defensive load as well.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a fellow fullback, might also be placed in a central position. Since the World Cup, the 25-year-old has recovered and is playing with the assurance necessary to swap positions.
Wan-Bissaka has frequently been criticized for being too defensive-minded for a right-back, but if moved to the center, such qualities would be advantageous.
He most likely lacks the strength and passing skills necessary to start in this position. However, there is a case for moving him there in the middle of a game if they need to switch things up or alter their playing strategy.
By temporarily repurposing two of his center midfielders, Ten Hag might increase the strength of his central defensive options.
In recent weeks, Scott McTominay has excelled in a deep-lying midfield position. If necessary, he possesses the strength and agility to take over at center-back. The 26-year-old has previously played there frequently throughout his career, and for a brief period, that was his preferred position at the international level.
Casemiro's story is comparable. This season, he has been a revelation at Old Trafford, not only for his midfield inventiveness but also for his defensive prowess.
Even during the Carabao Cup victory over Burnley in December, the Brazilian stepped in at center defense, and he could undoubtedly fill that role while Varane is out. The problem for United is that they would lose perhaps their most important midfielder, but they do at least have a few options to make up for his potential short-term absence in that position.
In order to survive these trying circumstances, United may need to use a wildcard strategy.
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