Lisandro Martinez is fundamental to the Manchester United system under Erik ten Hag – and the manager knows that better than anyone – but there are alternative options to call upon if his knee problem is as bad as feared. The combative former Ajax man was forced off during the West Ham win with a nasty-looking injury.

During his post-match press conference, Ten Hag said things did not look good for Martinez and United fans – not to mention the player himself – will be sweating before an update comes. Signed by the Dutchman last summer on the back of their time together in Amsterdam, the 26-year-old is an important starter for his United side.

Martinez had only just recovered from a long-standing foot issue, too, before working up his fitness upon a return to the team. Here, we take a closer look at three ways United can line up without the Argentine for however many games he eventually misses.

United made one alteration to their starting XI for the win over West Ham with Harry Maguire replacing Raphael Varane as the World Cup winner was afforded some rest after back-to-back games. It was the former Real Madrid defender who replaced Martinez when he went down clutching his knee at Old Trafford.

Maguire and Varane would be the sensible and most-likely combination for the Villa match. Last season, Ten Hag opted for continuity where possible and now things are finally starting to ease on the injury front – Martinez aside – the Dutchman will probably not shake things up too much unless he needs to.

There is another route for Ten Hag to explore, though, as he did on occasion last campaign. Luke Shaw excelled at centre-back when Martinez was absent, previously, but an ongoing injury to Tyrell Malacia – not to mention Sergio Reguilon returning to Tottenham last month after his loan spell – leaves United short on left-backs.

Malacia is due to back from a long-term knee problem any time now. As and when he becomes available, it would enable Ten Hag to move Shaw into the middle if he wants to utilise his trusty left foot and passing range.

United had to be creative in the early months this term when they had so many injury absentees. That included an unsuccessful audition for Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat at left-back. Fortunately, there are more suitable picks right across the board, even though United will miss Martinez for however many games.

Varane continues to be nursed through amid his well-documented injury record. A return for Aaron Wan-Bissaka is on the horizon, while Victor Lindelof could also step in alongside Maguire for another contingency.