December 14th 2024.
Real Madrid has been rumored to be interested in acquiring the Man Utd star player. Manchester United is also considering offers for their star defender Lisandro Martinez as Real Madrid contemplates making a surprising move for the World Cup champion. Many experts were doubtful of how the small-statured defender, Martinez, would perform in the Premier League after his transfer from Ajax for a hefty price of £57m in 2022. Despite his success with former manager Erik ten Hag's Ajax team, winning consecutive Eredivisie titles, there were concerns that his 5ft 9in frame could make him an easy target for aggressive Premier League strikers. However, Martinez has proven his critics wrong and has become one of Manchester United's top signings in recent years, although that's not saying much considering the amount of money spent on players like Antony, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Joshua Zirkzee.
Martinez has made 45 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford, solidifying his place as a key member of Ten Hag's team and helping United win the Carabao Cup. Last season, he was limited to only 11 Premier League games due to fitness issues, but now that he is back in top form, the 26-year-old is once again proving his worth to the team. Despite his significant contributions, Martinez is not considered off-limits by the Manchester United owners, according to talkSPORT. In fact, the board has already shown a willingness to sell academy graduate Marcus Rashford, and it seems they hold a similar stance with Martinez.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid is monitoring Martinez, although their main target remains Liverpool's right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Spanish giants have also been linked with other players from United, including full-back Diogo Dalot and Tottenham's duo Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro. While Martinez may be a target for arguably the biggest club in the world, he has not escaped criticism this season. He was even called out as "a little boy" after the 3-2 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend by former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp. On Sky Sports, Redknapp stated, "He has to be stronger, Martinez. He's like a little boy. He just gets bullied. It's a mismatch, he is trying to block him and it's a towering header."
In another instance, former Aston Villa captain Gabriel Agbonlahor referred to Martinez as "terrible" and believes he deserves more criticism than he has been receiving. "I feel Marcus Rashford gets a lot of stick," he said on talkSPORT. "Yes, he has not been at his best, but what about Martinez at the back? What about him? He's getting beat on corners for set-pieces. He doesn't look comfortable. They talk about the butcher. I think he is terrible." With just one point from three league games under new manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United sits 13th in the Premier League table and will face Manchester City in a highly anticipated derby on Sunday.
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