Manchester United are set for a huge lift with Lisandro Martinez edging closer to a long-awaited return from injury.
Martinez has been on the sidelines since February after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
He has stepped up to individual training in recent weeks and is now expected to rejoin full first-team sessions after the international break.
Injuries have restricted his influence since his 2022 arrival from Ajax, but he still remains one of United’s most indispensable players.
We believe Martinez could be the missing piece that finally connects the scattered dots in Ruben Amorim’s system.
The 27-year-old is likely to occupy the left centre-back spot in the back three system.
Luke Shaw has been trialled in that position but failed to convince.
He was overpowered by Erling Haaland and terrorised by Jeremy Doku in the 3-0 loss to Manchester City last month.
Shaw lacks the aggression required to battle strikers and close the crucial gap between defence and midfield.
Martinez won 56% of his duels last season, while Shaw has managed just 47.9% this campaign.
The Argentine also makes more than twice as many interceptions as Shaw and creates three times as many chances per 90 minutes.
The former Ajax defender is an exceptional ball distributor.
Amorim will expect Martinez to slot into midfield when his team has possession in the final phase of attack.
Shaw was known for the same creativity with his left foot but has hardly shown it over the last six months.
The Argentina international is a fan favourite because of his ability to take risks and play incisive passes.
Despite two injury-hit years, he remains one of the loudest voices in the dressing room, a natural leader who never shirks a battle.
Amorim has been vocal about needing more fighters in his side, which is why United pushed hard to land Matheus Cunha this summer.
The return of Martinez will bring more stability to Amorim’s team structure, and United fans will hope the defender remains injury-free for the rest of the campaign.
Stats from Fotmob.com
