Tosin Adarabioyo transfer move illustrates perfectly the Man United issues facing Jason Wilcox

If Manchester United's injury crisis this season has taught us anything, it's that their centre-back department is in desperate need of a makeover.

United's defensive line has been decimated by injuries, particularly at centre-back, meaning they are crying out for fresh blood in that area of the team. For the fifth game running, Casemiro started as an emergency centre-back against Arsenal on Sunday, partnering Jonny Evans.

United were without Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof against the Gunners, but Willy Kambwala was fit enough to return to the bench after a four-game absence. The latter could start tonight's visit of Newcastle United.

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Nevertheless, while injuries cannot be helped, it is no secret that United desperately need to strengthen their centre-back pool. They have been unable to rely on a settled partnership this season and adequate depth has rarely been available to Erik ten Hag.

United, of course, have announced the first step in their plan to reconstruct the landscape of their centre-back department, confirming Varane will leave Old Trafford at the end the season. His contract is up at the end of next month and it will not be extended.

Evans is also out-of-contract next month and it is highly likely that one of Maguire or Lindelof will be sold. Should either of those two depart and Evans is released, United will have just three first-team centre-backs to head into next season with.

Should that situation come to fruition, it is easy to understand why the club has already settled on a plan to sign two central defenders over the summer. It