Manchester United receives bad news regarding securing Champions League qualification.

Manchester United is facing a difficult situation as key defender Lisandro Martinez is likely to remain absent, making their defense more vulnerable ahead of the crucial match against Aston Villa in the race for top 4.

Manchester United is confronting a personnel crisis at the most sensitive moment of the season. Following the humiliating defeat against Newcastle, The Red Devils urgently need a victory against direct rival Aston Villa to protect their position in the top 4.

However, fans' hopes were dampened as key defender Lisandro Martinez is almost certain to continue missing the major clash at Old Trafford this weekend.

The absence of the World Cup champion is becoming an unsolvable problem for Michael Carrick and the coaching staff. Initially, the medical team assessed that Martinez would only need to rest for one match after the incident on the training ground last month.

However, the reality turned out much worse as the Argentine defender has missed three consecutive matches and his recovery process is currently stalled. According to British media, Licha experienced a mild muscle reaction while trying to increase training intensity, forcing the doctors to order a halt to avoid long-term risks.

Internal sources from Carrington confirm that although the issue is not too serious, the club firmly refuses to take risks: “Lisandro Martinez is expected to miss the important match between Manchester United and Aston Villa... after his muscle injury recovery period extended longer than initially anticipated.”.

Another source added: “Martinez had a mild reaction during training, and they decided to be more cautious with his recovery process. Manchester United wants to avoid a situation similar to Matthijs de Ligt.”.

The loss of both De Ligt and Martinez deprives The Red Devils of true warriors, players who not only defend stoutly but are also key in building play from the back.

Despite the injury history of the former Ajax star becoming increasingly dense since arriving in England, Manchester United seems to still place full trust in him. Instead of worrying about Martinez's declining physical condition, the club's leadership is initiating contract extension negotiations to retain "The Butcher" amid fierce pursuit from Barcelona.

However, for now, Red Devils fans have reason to worry as their fragile defense will face Aston Villa's fierce attacking force without the command of their leader wearing number 6.