Manchester United injury news: Defender suffers Fiorentina setback as Ruben Amorim contemplates Arsenal starting XI

Manchester United will be sweating on the fitness of a defender after they suffer an injury against Fiorentina, just days before they play Arsenal in the Premier League.

Manchester United centre-back Ayden Heaven was forced off against Fiorentina on Saturday as a result of injury, and he may not be fit for the start of the season.

The Red Devils drew 1-1 with Italian side Fiorentina on Saturday at Old Trafford, but they did win a penalty shootout after the full-time whistle.

Manager Ruben Amorim will hope that his side are prepared for their opening game of the Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17, though he will be sweating on the fitness of central defender Heaven.

The 18-year-old was taken off with just under 20 minutes to go and was seen in some discomfort on the pitch, but he was present for the presentation of a pre-season trophy.

Heaven's substitution has thrown his involvement against Arsenal into doubt, and Amorim may have to rethink his plans if they originally included the youngster in the starting XI.

Who will play against Arsenal in defence in the Premier League?

Amorim will hope that Heaven's injury is short term, especially as he missed 13 games as a result of injury last term, so the boss is unlikely to take any risks with his fitness against Arsenal.

Fellow centre-back Lisandro Martinez is also injured, though he is not expected to return from a knee issue until October.

Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro both featured in Amorim's back three against Fiorentina, and the duo can almost certainly be pencilled into the XI to face the Gunners.

United could also look to start Matthijs de Ligt, but Luke Shaw's ability to play on the left side of defence could put him ahead of the Dutchman in the pecking order.

The future of United's defence under Ruben Amorim

Though United endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign, Heaven was able to make his breakthrough into the first team, playing six times in all competitions while making three starts for the club.

The Englishman is highly thought of, and many supporters believe that he can be play a key role in the team's long-term future.

Ayden is comfortable on the left side of Amorim's back three, and perhaps Yoro will play on the right side, with the 19-year-old having already established himself as a regular in the starting XI.

The Red Devils may need to sign a middle centre-back to complement the aforementioned pair, but the future of Manchester United's defence looks promising.

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