Why Man Utd scouring centre-back market may be bad news for Martinez
Manchester United's impending busy summer of business has been widely documented. The club are expected to back their new permanent head coach - Michael Carrick or not - with at least two midfielders, a left-winger and a left-back. Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire (new contract pending), Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven make up a sufficient centre-back department for the return of two games a week next season.
[BBC] [Getty Images] Manchester United's impending busy summer of business has been widely documented. But they might also be about to address an area which they would prefer not to. The club are expected to back their new permanent head coach - Michael Carrick or not - with at least two midfielders, a left-winger and a left-back.
But while Carrick is currently well-stocked at centre-back, a big problem is looming and there is a sense that United are about to take action. Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire (new contract pending), Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven make up a sufficient centre-back department for the return of two games a week next season. Worries about the severity of De Ligt's back problem, which has ruled him out for the past five months, rumble on.
Maguire and Yoro provide alternative right-sided options, though. Martinez's situation is a more pressing matter. There is no doubting that the Argentine is United's best centre-back when fully fit.
Elite ball-playing, tenacity, aggression and strong leadership. However, he is about to finish his fourth season as a Red Devils player and he has not surpassed 30 Premier League games in any of them. Martinez is about to return from his latest lay-off, forcing him to miss five matches.