Lisandro Martinez’s future at Man Utd unclear as Ruben Amorim rings the modifications

On Dec 11, 2024

Lisandro Martinez’s struggles in Manchester United’s costly defeat by Nottingham Forest could mean the Argentine defender losing his spot under Ruben Amorim

Sport

Alex Turk and Michael Ham

10:36, 11 Dec 2024

Lisandro Martinez’s Man Utd status could be at risk if his performances don’t improve(Image: (Image: Getty))

Lisandro Martinez’s future at Manchester United is uncertain. In his first season in England – until a bad leg injury in April 2023 – he could have been considered one of the club’s best signings since Sir Alex Ferguson’s era.

However, in evaluating Martinez’s performance since his eagerly awaited return to the first team, he could be labelled as another costly failure. He hasn’t regained his initial form at Old Trafford since recovering from the injuries sustained in the 2-2 draw against Sevilla 20 months ago.

Martinez has been a regular starter under Ruben Amorim, missing only his debut match at Ipswich Town due to injury and sitting out the Arsenal game due to suspension. Erik ten Hag brought the fiery Argentine to United from Ajax in a whopping £57million deal in 2022.

Martinez should be a perfect fit for Amorim’s three-at-the-back system. He’s left-footed, adept at progressing the ball, and a leader both on and off the pitch.

At 26, he still has his best years ahead of him, and his early performances at United justified his hefty price tag. However, his performance against Nottingham Forest raised eyebrows, reports the Express.

Ruben Amorim loves Noussair Mazraoui(Image: (Image: Getty))

It wasn’t the first time this season that fans have left Old Trafford grumbling about their No.6. The 5ft 9in centre-back was overpowered in the air by Nikola Milenkovic for the visitors’ early goal, setting the stage for a disappointing night.

Chris Wood’s looping header left him rooted to the spot for Forest’s third goal which put the match beyond United’s grasp. Leny Yoro made his starting debut after getting his first taste of action at Arsenal just days before.

The £59m talent is tipped to be a mainstay by the end of the season. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt has quickly become Amorim’s defensive linchpin and looks set to be a mainstay of the starting XI.

Noussair Mazraoui, who was benched against Forest, has been sorely missed. His impact since his £17m move from Bayern Munich has been immense.

Ruben Amorim looks set to give Lenny Yoro more playing time(Image: MANCHESTER UNITED FC)

With Amad Diallo shining as Amorim’s right-wing-back and Diogo Dalot on the left, Mazraoui is expected to keep his role among the wide centre-halves. Amorim has been vocal about his admiration for the Moroccan, saying earlier this month: “He’s a top player.”

He added: “He understands the game. He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively, and he’s very good one-on-one. He’s a modern player. I think he’s the future of our team.”

Amorim also said: “When you think about him, you think we need more players like Nous who can control the tempo; they are really, really good and comfortable with the ball. So, Nous, I’m really happy with him.”

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And if Martinez doesn’t get back to his best, it’s likely he’ll be the one making way, not Yoro or De Ligt.