Lisandro Martinez: United have easy decision if transfer bid arrives

Whether that plan involves more game time for Ayden Heaven, exploiting a market opportunity like Marcos Senesi on a free transfer or investing in a replacement is just another item on an already jam-packed agenda.

United have had to get used to playing without Licha anyway, and at this point only sometimes look better with him on the pitch. The squad is surprisingly rich in centre-back options, including Heaven and elder statesman Harry Maguire, and so much time have they spent on the field that it’s no longer correct to say that Martinez walks straight back into the starting lineup just because he’s fit.

Considered alongside his apparently worsening disciplinary record – he has always been spiky, but lately seems to be opting for overt, ill-judged aggression over the hard-but-fair robustness that was once his calling card – and it is not the prettiest picture for the 28-year-old.

Still an asset

On his day, the diminutive Argentine is borderline unplayable both in and out of possession. He has bullied forwards twice his size as the squad’s most ferocious defender, and is one of the best passers of the ball at the club – should he leave, his playmaking from deep would certainly be tricky to replace.

At present there is no indication that he will be heading for the exit this summer, and this is not in itself a bad thing. Martinez is a massive character in the dressing room, one that commands respect and generally appears a force for good in a squad slowly piecing itself together.

But the cracks are starting to show, and a big club wouldn’t think twice about accepting a decent fee should one be offered – if one comes in, United must show that a big club is indeed what they are.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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