'Hopefully' - Manchester United fans name Lisandro Martinez replacement amid injury crisis

Manchester United supporters are desperate to see Luke Shaw return against Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm) to ease their defensive injury crisis - amid concerns over first-choice centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

After having to replace Varane at half-time during their European showdown with Sevilla on Thursday night, there was a further setback for United when Martinez (foot) went down in a heap and had to be stretchered away. Shaw has missed two matches himself with a knock.

Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford (groin) were also unavailable for the Sevilla draw. Donny van de Beek and Alejandro Garnacho are longer-term absentees - while back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been nursing a foot injury to round-up their selection issues.

READ MORE: Every word from press conference

During his latest pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag provided a short update on Martinez amid reports he has broken a bone in his foot. Ten Hag downplayed that speculation, but the Argentina international is not expected to feature against Forest - at the very least.

Ten Hag said: "I can't say in this moment [how long Martinez will be out]. When we have news we will give it straight to you. Let's do the medical, a full assessment, complete diagnosis, it doesn't change in this moment. I have an idea, but I don't cause speculation.

"It's not even 24 hours, so I don't have a complete diagnosis. I can't tell in this moment."

Ten Hag went on to hint that Shaw and McTominay could be available to return on Sunday afternoon with a trip to Spain following that Premier League fixture. Reacting on social media, United supporters have outlined the importance of having Shaw if the next Martinez update is not positive.

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