BREAKING NEWS: “We called him to the first-team because we believe he’ll add the quality needed in that particular position”: 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 Promotes Promising Academy Talent to First-Team Following Lisandro Martínez’s Injury

Rúben Amorim has added an exciting young talent from Manchester United’s Academy to the first-team squad after Lisandro Martínez suffered a serious injury last week.

United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday was already a tough result for Amorim and his players, but things worsened when Martínez sustained what appeared to be a severe injury late in the match.

In the 82nd minute, the Argentine defender went in for a 50/50 challenge with Palace’s Ismaïla Sarr but landed awkwardly, causing his knee to bend unnaturally. Replays of the incident only amplified concerns over the severity of the injury.

Martínez, clearly in significant pain, remained on the pitch as medical staff rushed to assess him. After several minutes of treatment, he was stretchered off, with Matthijs de Ligt coming on as his replacement.

A key player in United’s defensive setup, Martínez had started 15 of the team’s last 16 matches, contributing two goals and an assist in 2025. His absence presents a major challenge for Amorim.

Academy Star Steps Up Amid Defensive Shortage

With United not securing a last-minute signing to cover for Martínez, questions have been raised about how Amorim will manage his defensive options moving forward.

Although Luke Shaw is expected to step in at left center-back once he recovers from his own injury, the manager also has Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Noussair Mazraoui available.

However, Amorim has now made the bold decision to promote 17-year-old defender Dante Plunkett to first-team training.

Plunkett, who joined United from Aston Villa in May 2024, recently revealed via Instagram that he had been training with the senior squad—a sign that the coaching staff is considering him as a possible option in defense.

Who is Dante Plunkett?

Plunkett is regarded as an exciting defensive prospect, having played primarily for United’s U18 side since his arrival.

Although he is naturally a left-back, his performances under Adam Lawrence’s guidance have highlighted his strong defensive attributes, which may have led Amorim to try him in a central role during training.

Beyond his defensive abilities, Plunkett has also contributed in attack, recording two goals and two assists for the U18s across all competitions this season.

With United still dealing with injury problems in defense and missing out on reinforcements in the January transfer window, Amorim is now taking the opportunity to assess what the Academy can offer in these final crucial months of the season.