Manchester United face defensive dilemma for Brighton FA Cup semi-final

Manchester United could be without four senior defenders when they face Brighton in their FA Cup semi-final clash next week.

Erik ten Hag's side will be looking for another Wembley win when they face the Seagulls in the final four of the prestigious cup competition, but might have to do so with a makeshift defence.

United are sweating over the fitness of senior centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez after they were both substituted during the Europa League draw with Sevilla on Thursday night.

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Martinez was carried off by Sevilla players Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna in the 87th minute before he required a stretcher.

The Argentine's withdrawal reduced United to 10 men when they were 2-1 up at the time, as they had made their five substitutions on a night Varane was also forced off through injury at half time.

United's problem is amplified by the fact that Luke Shaw also missed the Sevilla match through injury. The England international is primarily a left-back but has filled in at centre-back on numerous occasions for his side.

Ten Hag will be hoping for positive updates on the injured trio over the next week, with a Premier League trip to face Nottingham Forest and a second leg against Sevilla to play before their FA Cup semi final.

Harry Maguire will be available to play in both of those matches; however, he will be suspended for the match against Brighton after picking up a yellow card in the quarter final win over Fulham.

It means Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones could be the only recognised senior centre-backs available for the match, which would likely require a tactical rethink from the manager.

Scott McTominay, who also missed the