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Man United face Lisandro Martinez 'nightmare' after U-turn
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- Man United face Lisandro Martinez 'nightmare' after U-turn
Manchester United are facing a difficult situation over the future of Lisandro Martinez as he enters the final months of his contract.
The 28-year-old remains a key part of Michael Carrick's first-choice starting XI, particularly due to the lack of alternatives in his role, and has featured in most games this season.
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However, his performances have been nowhere near the level required this season, and there is a growing feeling he could be allowed to leave Old Trafford as a result.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insiderthat Martinez is still a "top-class" player but his displays this season have contributed to their struggles.
He was sent off during the 2-0 defeat against Chelsea, scored an own goal against Fulham, and directly contributed to goals conceded against Ipswich, Man City and Tottenham.
The Argentina international's constant mistakes could end up costing Carrick his job, and questions are now being asked about Martinez's long-term future at the club.
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Are Man United concerned about Lisandro Martinez?
Brown first told Football Insiderlast month that Man United were beginning to grow concerned about Martinez's performances after a disappointing run of form.
Nine games into the Premier League season, those performances have still not improved, and serious questions are now being asked about the centre-back's struggles.
As a result of his recent displays and their impact on the club's results, there is now a feeling Martinez will be let go regardless of his important role in Carrick's side.
"Man United are in a very difficult position with Lisandro Martinez's future," Brown told Football Insider.
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"It's a nightmare really, because we're talking about a player who is seen as an important part of the starting XI and is highly regarded as a top-class player, an Argentina international.
"But his performances haven't shown that, especially not this season anyway, because he's costing them a goal in almost every game at the moment.
"Defensively, he has been poor, and he's made the kinds of mistakes that you don't expect from a player with his quality or experience.
"But the problem they have is that they don't have anybody else who can come in for him, apart from the youngsters who obviously aren't at the same sort of level.
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"So he's starting every week even when he's making these mistakes, and that's not the sort of position any club wants to be in."
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Amid ongoing doubts about his recent performances, questions have also been asked about whether Martinez will extend his stay or see out his current contract at Man United.
There had previously been an expectation that work would be done towards extending his deal, at least on a short-term basis as the club have a one-year extension option.
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However, Football Insiderrevealed on 17 October that Man United are not happy with Martinez following his outburst against the board and could scrap their contract plans.
The centre-back hit out at the recruitment team in particular for failing to back the manager and strengthen the squad during the summer window.
However, that has raised doubts about whether the board will want to keep Martinez around amid growing interest from clubs in Spain who could lure him away.
