PRE-MATCH NEWS: Harry Maguire will be sidelined for three consecutive weeks due to injury, adding to the defensive crisis at Manchester United along with a series of injuries to other players.

Manchester United will undoubtedly have to get creative in their transfer dealings to improve their squad without breaking the wage structure and financial fair play regulations. The team has been going through a challenging season with a high number of injuries, raising concerns among fans and experts about the team’s situation. The persistent injury problem not only affects the performance on the field but also has a significant impact on the club’s future transfer plans.Erik ten Hag issues positive Harry Maguire injury update but rules star  defender out of Liverpool showdown | Goal.com Australia

Several factors contribute to the high number of injuries at Manchester United. Firstly, the team has played a significant number of matches in a short period, putting immense physical strain on the players. This started with a demanding preseason tour, featuring seven matches across different time zones, leading to fatigue and injuries. Additionally, the team has been lacking depth in some key positions, such as center-back and left-back, forcing players to play out of position and increasing the risk of injuries. Lastly, players have been dealing with muscle-related injuries, raising questions about the team’s training methods or recovery procedures.Harry Maguire was allowed to continue playing despite head injury after  clearing concussion protocols | talkSPORT

The injury crisis at Manchester United has significantly impacted their transfer plans for the upcoming summer transfer window. With several key players sidelined, United is in need of reinforcements in multiple positions. However, the club also faces financial limitations that could affect their spending ability.Harry Maguire injured after just 40 SECONDS for Man Utd as commentators  fear over 'very concerning' scenes | The Sun

One area that United prioritizes is center-back. With Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans’ contracts expiring in the summer, and Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire being linked with moves away, United may have only Lisandro Martinez and Willy Kambwala as viable center-back options. The club has been linked with players like Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton and Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen. However, both players come with high transfer fees, and the club may have to lower their targets while trying to recruit another center-back.

Another area that United aims to strengthen is central midfield. With Scott McTominay currently injured and Christian Eriksen’s contract expiring in the summer, United needs a new defensive midfielder. Once again, financial constraints due to previous excessive spending over the past 10 seasons and the absence of Champions League participation next season will make it challenging for United’s scouting team to secure top-class midfielders for the position.Man Utd's Maguire out for three weeks with muscle injury | SuperSport

Overall, the injury crisis at Manchester United has blurred their transfer plans for the upcoming summer window. The club needs reinforcements in various positions, but they are also facing limited transfer funds. Manchester United will undoubtedly have to be innovative in their transfer dealings to improve the squad without compromising their wage structure and financial fair play regulations.