Transfer: Manchester United issue ultimatum to Lisandro Martinez

Manchester United have put Lisandro Martinez, their centre-back, on notice regarding his future at the club due to persistent fitness concerns. Erik ten Hag engaged in Martinez’s £57 million transfer from Ajax back in 2022, having previously collaborated with the Argentine defender at Ajax. Despite his impressive debut season at United, which saw him play in 45 matches and help secure a Carabao Cup triumph, Martinez has struggled to stay fit, missing 65 Premier League games over the past three years because of various injuries.

His form improved in the latter part of last season, but a mishap during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain has impeded his preparations for this campaign. Martinez was notably absent from Manchester United’s opening Premier League match against Hull City, and he will be keen to earn more game time when Ipswich Town, the newly promoted side, arrive at Old Trafford this weekend.

Martinez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, is in the final year of his current deal with United, but the club retains the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months. The possibility of activating this clause remains uncertain, placing Martinez in a precarious position where he must prove his fitness credentials to retain his spot at the Red Devils.

While United holds Martinez in high regard, it is expected that he will need to demonstrate his ability to maintain his fitness, or risk being sold next summer according to talkSPORT.