'New signing'- Returning Manchester United star expected to make life easier for Ruben Amorim

Lisandro Martinez is as good as a new signing for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim

Manchester United are going through another season filled with defensive worries. Yet, there finally seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez, who joined the club from Ajax in July 2022 for an initial £48.3 million fee, could soon rejoin full first-team training. The South American centre-back hasn’t played since he suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Crystal Palace in February.

He left the pitch in visible pain that night. That setback followed earlier foot and knee problems, which kept the 27-year-old out for long spells. Still, when he stays fit, Martinez’s aggressive defending and composed passing from deep often change the rhythm of Manchester United’s build-up. His return couldn’t come at a better time, especially as Rúben Amorim works to settle his defence.

We reported earlier in the summer that Napoli wanted to sign him despite his injury. That interest proves how highly clubs across Europe rate him. Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Wes Brown believes Martinez’s return will feel like a new signing for Amorim. Brown said the Argentine’s presence adds competition, even though Luke Shaw has handled the left side of the back three well. He believes Amorim prefers a left-footed defender on that flank, which makes Martinez an ideal choice.

“Luke Shaw has done well on the left of the three, but even with that, I think a club always needs competition for places. When Lisandro Martinez is fit, he’s a rock for the team.

“He was excellent for a couple of seasons, but he hasn’t played a lot of games recently. He’d need to learn to play alongside Yoro and De Ligt, but if he comes back soon, it’ll be like a brilliant new signing for the manager.

“Amorim likes to have a left-footer on the left of that back three, and he’s ideal for it. He’s still got a big future at the club, and when he gets back into the side, I hope he slots in seamlessly. It’ll be a huge boost for the club and the manager.”

Via: Metro

A return that could reshape Amorim’s plans