Manchester United are increasingly planning for a future without Lisandro Martinez, with the club already doing background work on potential replacements ahead of the January transfer window.
The Argentine national football player had a difficult start to the season both on and off the field.
His performances have been scrutinized, while his public criticism of United’s hierarchy has added further uncertainty to his long-term position at Old Trafford.
With United already planning a defensive overhaul, Martinez could now be one of the first players to be affected.
Manchester United are conducting “due diligence” on Martinez’s replacement
According to “Football Insider”, “Manchester United” is already evaluating possible replacements for Martinez.
Former United chief scout Mick Brown believes the club have serious concerns about the 28-year-old’s consistency and could make a move for another centre-back in January or next summer.
“Everyone knows it’s happening, Man United want to improve their defense because it hasn’t been good enough” Brown said.
He added: “There is every chance that Martinez will be replaced next summer, if not in January, by someone who can bring a bit more consistency and dominate the backline.”
Brown also claims United are already “doing their due diligence on a number of different players” as they assess the market.
Martinez’s future now appears to hinge on United’s defensive overhaul
This story fits with what United already has planned more broadly.
Sky Sports report that the club are looking to strengthen at both centre-back and left-back in the next two transfer windows, with Michael Carrick open to additions in January. This clearly puts Martinez under pressure.
He still started Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds but was taken off at half-time and the uncertainty over his contract makes the situation even more delicate.
United also have the option to extend his contract, so they are unlikely to lose him for nothing.
A sensible approach would be to separate the final argument from the football decision. If Martinez can rediscover consistency, he still has the qualities United need.
But if the club truly believe they need a more commanding and reliable centre-back, replacing him now makes more sense than delaying another rebuild.
Manchester United are studying the potential asking price for the 18-year-old defender