Manchester United’s coach Ruben Amorim has promoted an academy star who’s regarded as the next Lionel Messi to the club first-team due to lack of quality in ONE position.

Rúben Amorim has taken a decisive step to address Manchester United’s defensive concerns by promoting a young talent from the club’s Academy following Lisandro Martínez’s injury. The Argentine defender suffered a significant setback during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, an already disappointing result that was made worse by his late-game injury.

In the 82nd minute, Martínez contested a challenge with Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr but landed awkwardly, causing his knee to bend in an unnatural manner. The replays heightened concerns about the severity of the injury, and the defender was visibly in pain as medical staff attended to him. After several minutes of on-field treatment, he was stretchered off, with Matthijs de Ligt brought on as his replacement. Martínez had been a key figure in United’s defense, starting 15 of the last 16 matches and even contributing two goals and an assist this season. His absence now leaves a significant gap in Amorim’s defensive setup.

Without securing any last-minute defensive reinforcements, Amorim has had to rethink his options. Although Luke Shaw is expected to return soon and provide cover at left center-back, United still has Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Noussair Mazraoui as possible alternatives. However, Amorim has chosen to look within the club’s youth ranks, promoting 17-year-old defender Dante Plunkett to first-team training.

Plunkett, who joined United from Aston Villa in May 2024, recently shared on Instagram that he has been training with the senior squad, an indication that the coaching staff is seriously considering him as a potential option. Primarily a left-back, he has made an impression with United’s U18 side under Adam Lawrence, showcasing strong defensive capabilities that may have influenced Amorim’s decision to test him in a central role. In addition to his defensive skills, Plunkett has contributed offensively this season, recording two goals and two assists for the U18s.

With injuries still affecting United’s backline and the club missing out on defensive reinforcements in the January window, Amorim is now looking at the Academy to provide solutions for the crucial months ahead. Plunkett’s promotion signals a willingness to take bold measures, whether to prepare him as an emergency center-back or simply to give him valuable experience with the first team. If he continues to impress in training, he could see opportunities in cup competitions or late-game situations as United navigates their remaining fixtures.