Manchester United’s defensive issues have already raised questions after a disappointing start to the new season, and club legend Steve Bruce believes Michael Carrick has a clear solution.
Bruce has urged Carrick to restore Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez as his preferred centre-back partnership, arguing that the experienced duo remains the strongest option available to Manchester United.
The recommendation comes after United opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Hull City on Saturday, August 22. Ayden Heaven started alongside Maguire, but the Red Devils conceded twice from set-piece situations.
With Martinez still working his way back to full fitness, Carrick faces an important decision over how to organize his defence.
Steve Bruce Backs Maguire and Martinez
Bruce believes Carrick should return to the partnership that finished last season strongly.
Maguire and Martinez were among Carrick’s preferred defensive options last season. They started together in eight of the 17 matches Carrick managed, although injuries and suspensions prevented them from forming a consistent partnership throughout the campaign.
The pair eventually reunited toward the end of the season, producing performances that impressed Bruce.
“I thought Carrick would start with the pair who finished last season, Maguire and Martinez. They looked like the standout pairing,” Bruce said, as quoted by Metro.
For Bruce, the experience and complementary qualities of both players make them the strongest combination currently available to United.
Why Bruce Favors the Partnership
Bruce’s argument for starting Maguire and Martinez is based on several factors:
- Both players have significant experience at the highest level.
- They have already developed an understanding as a defensive partnership.
- Maguire offers strength and experience in central defence.
- Martinez provides a different profile alongside him.
- The pair finished last season as Carrick’s preferred combination.
The challenge for Carrick is getting Martinez back to the physical level required to play regularly.
Martinez Still Building His Fitness
Martinez is not yet considered fully fit after a demanding international period with Argentina.
The defender was part of Argentina’s squad at the 2026 World Cup and played in the final in July. His extended involvement means he is now going through a process to restore his physical condition.
That situation has influenced Carrick’s early defensive decisions.
Rather than immediately pairing Martinez with Maguire, the manager used 19-year-old Ayden Heaven alongside the England international against Hull City.
The result was not what United wanted.
They conceded two goals from set-piece situations and ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat.
That performance has added to the discussion surrounding Carrick’s defensive options and whether the manager should rely more heavily on his experienced players once Martinez is ready.
Bruce Defends Maguire’s Longevity
At 33, Maguire is one of the more experienced defenders in the Manchester United squad.
His age has led to questions about how much longer he can operate at the highest level. Bruce, however, believes those doubts have been raised before and Maguire has repeatedly responded by proving his critics wrong.
“Maguire is now 33. He has had an incredible career and for a long time people have written him off, but he always manages to come back and prove them wrong. That is his character,” Bruce said.
The former United defender also believes Maguire still has the qualities needed to remain an important part of the team for several seasons.
Bruce particularly highlighted Maguire’s ability in both penalty areas and his effectiveness in the first defensive duel.
If the defender can remain free from injuries, Bruce believes he still has plenty to offer.
Maguire Still Has a Role to Play
Maguire’s aerial presence and physical strength remain important aspects of his game.
Bruce believes those characteristics can continue to benefit Manchester United, particularly when defending set pieces and competing for first balls.
The Hull defeat provided a reminder of how important defensive organization can be. United conceded twice from dead-ball situations, making defensive concentration a major talking point.
For Bruce, that does not mean Maguire alone can solve United’s problems. Instead, he sees the experienced defender as an important part of a more reliable defensive structure.
Together with Martinez, Bruce believes Maguire can still form United’s first-choice central defensive partnership.
United Also Have Young Options
While Bruce wants Carrick to rely on Maguire and Martinez, Manchester United are also preparing for the future.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are regarded as players who could eventually become a key centre-back pairing for the club.
Heaven is only 19, while Yoro is 20. Their ages underline just how much development remains ahead of both defenders.
Yoro joined Manchester United from Lille in 2024 for a reported £52 million. Now entering his third season at Old Trafford, the French defender is still attempting to establish himself as a regular first-choice option.
Heaven, meanwhile, is also continuing his development at senior level.
Bruce Calls for Patience With Yoro and Heaven
Bruce does not believe United should rush their young defenders into becoming the club’s primary defensive pairing.
He was encouraged by their performances during preseason and believes both players have the potential to develop into an excellent partnership.
“The young players did very well in preseason. Heaven and Yoro have a great future ahead of them. They are still young,” Bruce said.
Defensive positions often require experience, and Bruce believes players naturally improve as they gain more exposure to senior football.
That could mean Maguire and Martinez provide the immediate solution while Yoro and Heaven continue developing behind them.
Carrick Faces an Important Defensive Decision
Michael Carrick now has several options in central defence.
United currently have four centre-backs available to him, with Matthijs de Ligt expected to add another option when he returns from the back injury that has kept him out since November last year.
That gives Carrick greater depth, but it also makes his selection decisions more complicated.
For now, Martinez’s fitness remains one of the biggest factors.
If the Argentina international can return to full fitness, Bruce believes Carrick should seriously consider restoring the Maguire-Martinez partnership.
At the same time, Yoro and Heaven represent an important part of Manchester United’s long-term defensive plans.
Experience Now, Youth for the Future
Manchester United appear to have a blend of experience and potential at centre-back.
Maguire and Martinez could offer Carrick an experienced partnership in the immediate term, while Yoro and Heaven provide options for the future.
The challenge is finding the right balance.
Bruce’s recommendation is clear: once Martinez is fully ready, Maguire and Martinez should be the first-choice pairing.
The defeat against Hull showed that United still have defensive work to do, particularly when dealing with set pieces. Carrick will therefore need to find the right combination quickly.
For now, the return of Martinez to full fitness could be one of the most important developments for Manchester United’s defence. If Bruce gets his wish, the experienced Maguire-Martinez partnership could soon be reunited at the heart of Carrick’s back line.
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