Lima's recovery may provide reinforcement for Manchester United, potentially replacing Maguire! De Ligt still hopes to return before the World Cup.

Because of the red card incurred in the clash with Bournemouth, Harry Maguire must sit out one match, rendering him unavailable for Manchester United's upcoming home fixture versus Leeds United in the "Roses Derby." Maguire was deemed to have dragged down Evanelison as the last defensive player, hence the red card expulsion, but as it was not a violent offense, the suspension is limited to one game.

Manchester United lodged a complaint regarding the refereeing in that match, but it will not alter Maguire's red card and suspension outcome, as the decision was considered not to contain a clear error. Thus, Maguire is destined to miss the April 13th encounter with Leeds United.

This will pose a challenge for Carrick in team selection, as he previously had only three center-backs available; after Maguire's suspension, only Lenny Yoro and Eden Haven remain.

The 19-year-old Haven had frequent playing opportunities under Ruben Amorim, but Carrick appears less convinced of him. Since the coaching change, Haven has only occasionally appeared in the final moments of matches, making four substitute appearances totaling just 12 minutes!

According to UK's The Sun, Haven may still be on the bench for Manchester United against Leeds United. Carrick anticipates that Lisandro Martinez could return next month to provide reinforcement. Once the 28-year-old Argentine stalwart returns, he will take Maguire's position, partnering with Yoro in the starting lineup.

Another Manchester United center-back, De Ligt, is almost certainly unlikely to return before the Leeds United match. The 26-year-old De Ligt is thought to possibly have already ended his season prematurely, but the Dutchman refuses to accept this outcome. He still hopes to play for Manchester United again this season and even be selected for the Netherlands national team to participate in the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup.

De Ligt started and played the full match in all 13 games prior to the season, but after injuring himself in the away game against Crystal Palace on November 30th, he has not returned to the pitch. Initially expected to resume training after just a week's rest, a severe back injury has kept him sidelined ever since.

Manager Carrick has not ruled out the possibility that De Ligt may not play again this season. However, De Ligt himself aims to return to the field before the Premier League concludes on May 24th. According to reliable sources, his back injury is far more serious than initially estimated, and he still cannot train on grass; Manchester United's medical team is adopting a cautious approach.

Currently, De Ligt regularly returns to Carrington training ground for treatment and physical conditioning. His injury has improved, so the club has not scheduled surgery for him. Sources indicate his issue is not a muscle injury, making it unpredictable when he might return.

Manchester United have seven matches remaining this season, but De Ligt's chances of playing against Leeds United are extremely slim, virtually nonexistent. Whether he can participate in subsequent games is also highly questionable. At the end of last season, "Fat De" was also sidelined due to injury, with foot and knee problems causing him to miss 12 of the final 13 matches.

De Ligt certainly still hopes to participate in the World Cup, but even if he recovers, his selection seems unlikely. Ronald Koman never particularly favored him, and with the Netherlands having numerous excellent center-backs, De Ligt's World Cup dream may already be shattered.

Liverpool's Van Dijk, Tottenham's Van de Ven, Manchester City's Nathan Ake, Inter Milan's De Vrij, Brighton's Van Hecke, Arsenal's Timber, and Chelsea's Jorrel Hato—these seven are the national team players capable of playing center-back summoned by the "Oranje" during this international match period.