Ruben Amorim has long-term doubts over Lisandro Martinez’s suitability in a back-three system | OneFootball

After a disappointing start to his Manchester United reign, Ruben Amorim is planning a massive overhaul in terms of personnel in the summer.

The defence and midfield could bear a whole new look once the transfer window closes with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans expected to depart while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are also playing their last campaign in red.

Kobbie Mainoo is a surprise name that the head coach feels does not fit his vision and given the contract stalemate between the wonderkid and the club, a separation is on the cards.

Goncalo Inacio has been mentioned as a target with Amorim knowing him well from his time in Lisbon. But Football Transfers has claimed that he will serve as a replacement for Lisandro Martinez.

Martinez does not fit Amorim’s style

The Argentine is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and he is not expected back this year and for now, the Sporting CP star could slot in easily on the left of the back three.

The 40-year-old tactician will demand INEOS to sign the Portugal international even though the defence might be well-stocked given Ayden Heaven’s emergence.

But rather surprisingly, Amorim does not feel Martinez is capable of playing in a back three and he is open to the World Cup winner’s exit.

And since the ex-Ajax ace is injured and not too many teams will pay a hefty price for an injured player, Amorim will have to keep him for the time being.

But the plan is to use him as a defensive midfielder instead with the Argentine having the experience of playing in that position during his time in Amsterdam under Erik ten Hag.

“FootballTransfers understands that Amorim has also made it clear internally that he would like a new centre-back as well, despite Man Utd appearing well-stocked in that department.

“We hear that Amorim remains a huge admirer of his former Sporting CP protégé Goncalo Inacio, but there have so far been no formal talks given the uncertainty over Man Utd’s sporting and financial position.

Midfield role in the offing?

“Sources have informed us that Lisandro Martinez is a key factor in Amorim’s thinking. But Amorim’s concerns go beyond the immediate need for another body in defence. We are told that the 40-year-old has genuine doubts over Martinez’s suitability to his back-three system.

“Indeed, there is a feeling that Amorim would be open to sacrificing the Argentine to aid Man Utd’s bid of raising funds. But with clubs unlikely to splash the cash on a player who is injured long-term, the coach could spring a surprise to better integrate Martinez into his formation upon his return.

“Sources say that Amorim is willing to give Martinez a chance in midfield, which is not a totally foreign role to him. During his first season at Ajax in 2019/20, the diminutive centre-back played primarily as a defensive midfielder.”

Martinez’s ability to break lines with his passing, his ability on the ball and his passion seemed tailor-made for Amorim and his resurgence was there for all to see before his untimely injury.

But the report suggests otherwise and it will be intriguing to see how this situation unfolds once he makes his return to action.

Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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