Erik ten Hag ready to use Lisandro Martinez in new role at Manchester United next season: Reports
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly prepared to utilize Lisandro Martinez in a new defensive role in the 2024-25 season.
Martinez, 26, has established himself as a vital first-team starter for the Red Devils since arriving in a £47 million deal from Ajax in the summer of 2022. He has helped his club lift a FA Cup and an EFL Cup so far.
A Newell's Old Boys academy product, Martinez endured a tough campaign in the 2023-24 season. He made just 14 appearances across competitions for Ten Hag's side due to a number of different injury issues.
Now, according to Give Me Sport, Ten Hag has plans to play Martinez as a backup left-back as both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have proved to be unreliable. The ex-Ajax boss is also ready to use Martinez as a holding midfielder with Casemiro's future up in the air.
Should Manchester United finalise a transfer for Matthijs de Ligt this summer, Ten Hag is believed to favor the Bayern Munich star and Leny Yoro as his main centre-back pairing. Hence, the left-footed Argentine could be used out wide owing to his fine ball-playing ability.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag is also hoping not to over-expose teenager Kobbie Mainoo in his first full season in the Premier League. Should Casemiro depart and United fail to snap up top target Manuel Ugarte, Martinez has been identified as a number six option in midfield.
Martinez, whose current contract is set to expire in June 2027, has contributed one goal and as many assist in 59 matches for his team.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Premier League club's interest in Manchester United player
Speaking to Caught Offside, acclaimed transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shed light on Manchester United's transfer stance on Scott McTominay this summer. He said:
"Fulham have also been linked with Scott McTominay and reports of their interest is accurate, though nothing is close or advanced at this stage. For Manchester United, it's been a very clear position since last summer: in case of a good, important proposal, McTominay can leave. Otherwise they would be more than happy to keep McTominay at the club."
McTominay, 26, started 27 of his 43 appearances across competitions for his team last season. He netted 10 goals and laid out three assists.
Should the Scotland international join Fulham this summer, he would emerge as a regular starter alongside ex-teammate Andreas Pereira.