BREAKING: “We brought him into the first-team because we believe he can provide the quality we need in that specific role,” said Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim. The coach has decided to promote a highly rated academy talent—hailed by some as the next Lionel Messi—due to a shortage of quality options in one position. I’ve heard some buzz about this youngster, but I’m not really sure how talented he is.

Rúben Amorim has made an important decision following Lisandro Martínez’s recent injury setback. The Manchester United coach has called up a promising young talent from the club’s academy to train with the first team. This move comes as a response to the lack of quality depth in a key position, leaving Amorim with limited options in defense. The academy star is seen as a highly gifted player, with some even comparing him to Lionel Messi in terms of potential.

Manchester United suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace, but the match became even more costly when Martínez went down with what looked like a serious injury. The Argentine defender attempted a 50/50 challenge against Ismaïla Sarr late in the game but landed awkwardly. His knee appeared to twist unnaturally, raising immediate concerns about the severity of the damage.

As Martínez lay on the pitch in visible distress, United’s medical staff rushed to evaluate the situation. Despite their efforts, it quickly became evident that he could not continue. After receiving treatment for several minutes, he had to be stretchered off, with Matthijs de Ligt taking his place for the remainder of the match. The extent of his injury remains unclear, but his absence is already a significant blow to United’s defense.

Martínez had been a vital figure in Amorim’s setup, having started 15 of the team’s last 16 matches. In addition to his defensive contributions, he had also chipped in with two goals and an assist in 2025. Losing a player of his caliber at such a critical point in the season leaves the manager with difficult choices in reshaping his defensive structure.

With no emergency signing made to cover for Martínez, questions have arisen about how United will handle the shortage at the back. Luke Shaw is expected to be an option at left center-back once he recovers from his own injury, while Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Noussair Mazraoui remain available. However, Amorim has now opted to bring in a fresh face from the academy to help bolster his options.

That player is 17-year-old Dante Plunkett, a promising defender who has now been given a chance to train with the senior squad. Plunkett joined United from Aston Villa in May 2024 and has since been a standout performer for the U18s. His recent Instagram post revealed that he had been working with the first team, suggesting that the coaching staff is seriously considering him as a potential solution in defense.

Plunkett, primarily a left-back, has impressed under the guidance of Adam Lawrence. His strong defensive skills have made him a reliable presence at the back, while his ability to contribute offensively has also been notable. So far this season, he has registered two goals and two assists in all competitions, highlighting his versatility and attacking threat.

With injuries limiting United’s defensive options and no reinforcements arriving in the January transfer window, Amorim is now looking toward the academy for solutions. Plunkett’s inclusion in first-team training signals the club’s willingness to rely on young talent to navigate this challenging period, and it remains to be seen whether he will get an opportunity to make his senior debut in the coming weeks.