Luke Shaw can provide Manchester United with exactly what they need ahead of return

Manchester United fans received the dreaded confirmation on Friday that Lisandro Martinez will miss the rest of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot against Sevilla.

The Argentine's injury was a concern from the moment it happened, a collapse under no pressure while turning. His compatriots from the visiting side carried him off the pitch where a stretcher was at the ready.

Erik ten Hag confirmed shortly after the final whistle that it wasn't an Achilles rupture, as was first feared. And while the recovery time from a broken metatarsal is far less in comparison, it still rules Martinez out for what will be a crucial six-weeks between now and the end of the season.

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United crumbled in the closing stages on Thursday, a lack of experience in managing games the cause of a back-four that switched off. Tyrell Malacia let Jesus Navas in without a challenge, before Youssef En-Nesyri's header cannoned off the unfortunate Harry Maguire.

Malacia in particular will have infuriated Ten Hag, allowing a runner to glide in on goal before eventually turning the effort into his own net - a goal that boosted Sevilla and made the Reds only more nervy. The young Dutchman has been a fine addition, but in his debut season of Premier League football and at just 23-years-old, has needed a steady head in the centre-back role inside him. Unfortunately at the moment, neither Maguire nor Victor Lindelof can offer that, given neither have been regular features.

The return to fitness of Luke Shaw could well be crucial in allowing United to settle back into their rhythm. The 27-year-old was forced off in his side's 1-0 win over Brentford earlier this month,