‘Tempted’: Man Utd surprisingly open to selling fan-favourite amid Real Madrid interest, he’s not ‘off limits’

Stretty News

·10 de dezembro de 2024

‘Tempted’: Man Utd surprisingly open to selling fan-favourite amid Real Madrid interest, he’s not ‘off limits’

Despite being categorised as one of the more successful Manchester United signings of the last decade, Lisandro Martinez is not ‘off limits’ if clubs come in for him at the end of the season.

That’s according to talkSPORT, which has verified reports that Real Madrid have indeed shortlisted the World Cup winner as they look to bolster their defensive contingent significantly next summer.

Vídeos OneFootball

Martinez joined in Erik ten Hag’s first window as United manager and quickly established himself as a fan-favourite amongst the Old Trafford faithful. His defence-splitting passes and robust defensive displays saw him transition seamlessly to Premier League life amidst a time when the same couldn’t – and still can’t – be said for fellow Ajax departee Antony.

Nonetheless, the Argentine has prompted concerns over the last year and a half due to his frequent and lengthy injury setbacks. His debut campaign at the club was cut short in April 2023 due to a metatarsal fracture. Then, when he finally returned to action at the beginning of 2023/2024, the issue was re-aggravated, and he was made to undergo a second surgery.

Martinez’s injury record leaves a lot to be desired

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Martinez would go on to miss a total of 38 matches across the term through numerous different setbacks. He started only eight league games and was available just once in the Champions League for the group-stage opener against Bayern Munich.

During the November international break, the 26-year-old withdrew from international duty due to a knock, causing him to miss Ruben Amorim’s maiden outing in the dugout away to Ipswich Town.

Considering he’s one player that Amorim would undoubtedly want to anchor the defence long-term, Martinez’s fitness record simply has to improve drastically for the remainder of 2024/2025.

Alas, United may also be given the opportunity to cash in on the £56 million man if Madrid do come knocking in the near future. As well as Martinez, the reigning European champions are keeping tabs on Diogo Dalot’s form, having been made to put their Trent Alexander-Arnold pursuit on the back burner for now.