Manchester United slumped to yet another defeat on Monday night and fans will have been left praying for Lisandro Martinez’s return to action.
United headed down to face Crystal Palace with a long, long list of injuries.
Harry Maguire’s problem, announced just 24 hours before the game, only added to Erik ten Hag’s defensive woes.
Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala remain on the sidelines, so Ten Hag was forced to field an out-of-position Casemiro and a half-fit Jonny Evans at centre back.
Few would be rushing to see that partnership again after Palace racked up a 4-0 victory and gave Ten Hag another damaging defeat.
We would expect to see major changes in the heart of United’s defence this summer with new signings certainly needed.
Yet the biggest boost of all could come in the form of one current United centre back managing steer clear of injuries next season…
Manchester United staff notice Lisandro Martinez factor
Lisandro Martinez is undoubtedly United’s most talented centre back both in terms of his defensive ability and his qualities on the ball.
The Argentinian may not be the stereotypical mould of a centre back given his lack of height, but he is absolutely vital to United’s fortunes.
Sadly, Martinez has only managed seven Premier League starts this season with injuries plaguing him for most of the campaign.
Martinez wasn’t in the squad to face Palace on Monday night and his absence is seemingly being noticed – and not just on the pitch.
The Guardian claim that United’s staff are really feeling the absence of Martinez and his vocal presence.
It’s suggested that Ten Hag’s coaching staff feel the United dressing room is ‘much quieter’ without Martinez and that performances have suffered as a result.
Martinez is viewed as being ‘vital’ to the atmosphere around United and his lack of action this season is seemingly seen as a factor in the disappointing campaign.
Ten Hag is certainly feeling the enormity of Martinez’s injuries, both in terms of his ability as a player and his importance as a character.
This injury list – especially in defence – is so difficult to deal with and Ten Hag may hope that Ineos can see the battle he is facing.
That United don’t have more players stepping up to fill the void is worrying and it’s something which really needs to be addressed in the transfer market.
Martinez record leaves United in limbo
United are likely to dip into the market for centre back signings this summer but the Martinez situation is a little tricky.
When fit, available and at his best, Martinez is one of the finest centre backs in the Premier League and the kind of player you can build a back line around.
The injuries leave United with a decision though.
Do Ineos go and fund a signing to offer competition for Martinez as a left-sided centre back, such as Jarrad Branthwaite, and risk one of them being on the outside looking in?
Do United stand by Martinez and back him to avoid injuries next season, allowing him to get back to his best again?
It’s a difficult situation and the ideal solution may be to land a young left-sided centre back who won’t break the bank, providing cover and competition for Martinez moving forward.
We would expect Martinez to still be viewed as a key man moving forward even if Ten Hag moves on, but he certainly can’t afford another injury-hit season – or United will be forced to go in a different direction.