Manchester United suffer major blow as Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane doubtful for the next two games

Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Sevilla at Old Trafford in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals last night, with the Red Devils squandering a two-goal lead.

Marcel Sabitzer put the Red Devils ahead with a brace inside the first 20 minutes but saw teammates Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire score own goals after the break to hand Sevilla a draw.

First-choice centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez also picked up injuries to add to United’s woes.

Varane was taken off at half-time and replaced by Maguire, while Martinez’s foot injury looked severe as he was stretchered off during the final minutes.

Manager Erik ten Hag feels the defensive duo could miss the upcoming games against Nottingham Forest and Sevilla but insisted he has good replacements at his disposal.

“I think he [Martínez] will not play on Sunday,” said Ten Hag (h/t the Guardian).

“It looks like that but I can’t say what the diagnosis is and I prefer to wait and then we are clear and know exactly what it is. I have spoken with him – he is okay, he is calm.

“We have very good replacements with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf and Luke Shaw – we have players who can replace them but, of course, it is a miss.”

Injury problems continue to hurt Man United during the crucial period of the season, with in-form forward Marcus Rashford already sidelined with a muscle injury sustained against Everton.

Although United have enough depth in the defence, it won’t be easy to replace Martinez and Varane.

Maguire had a great game in the victory over Everton last weekend but produced an erratic display against the Andalusian outfit.

Lindelof may partner with Luke Shaw – who has already shown he is capable of playing as a central defender – against Forest.