Lisandro Martinez, renew or sell?

[Florida Man]

Does he have decent pace? Always seemed pretty slow to me. He's a great passer of the ball from CB but would be afforded much less space and time as a DM. I don't think it'd work.

I thought he did. Might be conflating his aggressive style with pace. Good point about allowed space though. I’d have to see more how he passes when under pressure from a high press. Interesting thought experiment.

 

[Pickle85]

I thought he did. Might be conflating his aggressive style with pace. Good point about allowed space though. I’d have to see more how he passes when under pressure from a high press. Interesting thought experiment.

Agreed - would be a lovely solution if he turned out to be great there.

 

[andersj]

Can he be upgraded? Sure, but realistically, how much could we get for him? £30–35m at most.

And who could we realistically sign with that money that's better or at least similar quality?

Lukeba maybe?

Martinez book value is probably £10 mill. If we sold him for £30 mill that would be a profit, and we would probably be able to spend a similar amount as we did when we brought him (£50 mill-ish).

 

[LoyalUnitedFan]

I think it is gonna be our last season with him. Next year, we need to buy two strong quick CBs to replace him and Maguire

 

[Tallis]

We should sell - the availability is too poor even if the performances are good.

 

[IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos]

Last chance saloon fitness wise this season. There’s absolutely no point keeping injury prone players, no matter how good. When players cost as much as they do, they have to be on the pitch, not in the treatment room. I think this especially true of centre halves. Of all the positions on the pitch, it’s the one where you most need chemistry and mutual understanding. Every great United team under Fergie you could name the starting centre halves for; Bruce & Pallister, Stam & Johnsen, Ferdinand & Vidic. The times we were less successful were the times the centre backs were less obvious. Arsenal’s success last season was built on Saliba and Gabriel.

Feels like we’ve had far too many brittle centre backs in the post Fergie years; Jones, Bailly, Rojo and now Martinez and de Ligt.

 

[Baneofthegame]

I’d renew if the terms were reasonable, same thing for De Ligt, both are great when available.

 

[Sky1981]

Budget is apparently tight, and options are expensive for midfield, the one area we’re light on. Especially DM. Might require creative maneuvering if we can’t 1) find 3 suitable midfielders who can start immediately or rotate consistently, and 2) we can’t sell him for a good enough fee to cover costs of new transfers.

Maybe coaching staff thought of it too, we don’t know for sure. He’s got passing range, decent pace and read of the game, can head, can tackle. It’s not a bad suggestion if we’re still light on options with CL added into our schedule.

I'm sure any coach or manager worth their salt would have giving every player an indept analysis including which other position they can cover and it will be scrutinized in depth including trying them out in training.

I mean, maybe after all their consideration they didn't think he'd do a good job there. Not every player can cover many positions let alone DM

 

[Poborsky's hair]

He is literally a playmaker in defense and generally a solid defender with mistakes in him like every CB in the world. In an era where attackers are encouraged to have a go at defenders, errors are more likely to happen for centre backs, like we've seen with van Dijk countless times. Not having a world class season doesn't mean we should sell him for 30m. Elanga was sold for 55m, to put transfer fees into perspective.

Thats a fine perspective, I agree with that Defenders make mistakes, I for one dont think he has deficiency in the air, but can be a bit rush sometimes in ground duels and cant cover the ground that well. So overall I dont see him being defensively bad, but not world class, he didnt show that for longer period then a third of a season havign mixed performances and some howlers too even in his best season, then interrupted by injuries.

And world class players are judged upon consistency on top level and I think he's missing that bit meaning I dont see him as being an important player for us (as in not for sale player), which he hasnt been probably ever because he couldnt stay fit either. The main point is his performances alone are 7/10 blended for me in his whole time here, and that's taking away how injury prone he is and that he's 28 now. It is a good time to sell if we can find a replacement. I am also not against keeping him on maybe even reduced wage or a small extension which would be smart from us. It's just that he's not a key player for us now with dvery dodgy injury record and 28 which means we will hardly get any more money for him then now.

 

[InfiniteBoredom]

If you sell him and don’t invest on a CB, are you happy to go for a 50+ games season with Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro and Heaven as your only proper CBs in a back 2 (Shaw notwithstanding, since we don’t seem to make any move for a LB yet)

If you sell him and invest on a CB to replace him, how much would it cost to get a defender of his calibre in this market, and how does that fee stacks up against a renewal, or his amortization value next season?

The calculation is pretty simple imo. We have little to gain and much to lose by selling him now, when De Ligt’s long term availability is still a question and none of Yoro or Heaven has proven to be reliable first choice yet, while our biggest area of needs remains unsolved. Give him a renewal with lots of incentives built in, or just activate the extra year in his contract and see how it shakes out next season. Objectively speaking he’s still our best CB result wise when available so it’s not like we would be unhappy to keep him, as opposed to the likes of Ugarte/Zirkzee

 

[Bright_Eyes]

I think it is gonna be our last season with him. Next year, we need to buy two strong quick CBs to replace him and Maguire

I'm hoping Heaven or Yoro will be ready by then and we won't need two. Those two, De Ligt and a top new CB should be enough. Maybe keep Maguire as back up and/or see how Martinez does witth injuries this season

 

[Uncle Mainoo]

Hopefully Simeone is getting a good view in the stands and ask Atletico to do everything they can to get him.

Love Licha but I think we need an experienced pacey defender. Selling him for £30-40m, would allow this.

 

[NLunited]

When was that?

Ajax. He played there when he arrived.

 

[NLunited]

Hopefully Simeone is getting a good view in the stands and ask Atletico to do everything they can to get him.

Love Licha but I think we need an experienced pacey defender. Selling him for £30-40m, would allow this.

Try 70 million. He‘s a better passer than the cb‘s at Cheaty.

 

[Ole'sgunnarwin]

Doesn't matter too much, if he renews he'll be injured more often than not. And if we replace him that player will be injured more often than not. Every bloody year we've tons of injured defenders

 

[Jeffthered]

We should sell - the availability is too poor even if the performances are good.

And replace him with who?

 

[Tallis]

And replace him with who?

A relatively injury free defender.

We could give his spot to Yoro or Heaven. Senesi would have been a decent signing on a free.

 

[El Jefe]

I think it is gonna be our last season with him. Next year, we need to buy two strong quick CBs to replace him and Maguire

I feel like this season is a judgement year for our two experienced CBs De Ligt and Licha and our young talents, Heaven and Yoro.

MDL and Licha pretty much have their last chance to prove they can keep fit and are of the required quality to be a starter in a PL winning team.

If one or both of them don’t prove this, Yoro or Heaven have the chance to be the in house replacements for one of the spots and saving us a lot of money in the process.

We are definitely going to be looking for at least one CB in the summer of 26/27.

 

[Giggsy13]

I would renew if he will take a deal similar to Maguire in terms of salary. He is injury prone but when he’s available he’s arguably a top 5 CB in the league.

 

[LDUred]

We need a ball playing centre back but my issue is with the way he is reffed and how he plays too much on the edge.

If he was in a red shirt yesterday, that goal stands 100%. There is no way an Anthony Taylor or a Stuart Attwell is going back 100 yards to a slight brush on his foot. They are giving that goal.

I would keep him but he has to play a lot smarter.

 

[Red in STL]

I would renew if he will take a deal similar to Maguire in terms of salary. He is injury prone but when he’s available he’s arguably a top 5 CB in the league.

United should just take up the 1 year option and defer a decision until the end of the coming season, if he plays a reasonable number of games to the standard we require then renew, if not then sell

 

[Raoul]

I would renew if he will take a deal similar to Maguire in terms of salary. He is injury prone but when he’s available he’s arguably a top 5 CB in the league.

Maguire reduced his wages from 190 to 120k/wk, and Licha is presently on 120k, so I doubt that would work. Chances are he will get a moderate raise to extend, especially if he's fit and goes into next season as a 2x World Cup winner.

 

[Hanky panky]

We have to replace him inside couple of years. Find some taller and better header. With some pace. But i doubt he's going anywhere this summer. Summer 2027 will be when we are likely signing one or two centre backs. But we may activate that additional 12 moths in his contract, which i think he have. Anyway, we can't count on him in a long run.

 

[Marcus]

Renew

 

[Jeffthered]

A relatively injury free defender.

We could give his spot to Yoro or Heaven. Senesi would have been a decent signing on a free.

I don't know how to respond to this. And I am not being disrespectful to you, but you cannot be serious. replace Lisandro Martinez with Yoro?

You are a Manchester United FC fan, correct?

 

[Resonance]

I don't know how to respond to this. And I am not being disrespectful to you, but you cannot be serious. replace Lisandro Martinez with Yoro?

You are a Manchester United FC fan, correct?

Yoro was brought in presumably to be first choice centre back eventually, is it that wild of an idea?

 

[Tallis]

I don't know how to respond to this. And I am not being disrespectful to you, but you cannot be serious. replace Lisandro Martinez with Yoro?

You are a Manchester United FC fan, correct?

I take it you don’t like Yoro ?

Who would be acceptable - Lukeba, Diomande, Schottlerbeck ?

 

[Giggsy13]

Maguire reduced his wages from 190 to 120k/wk, and Licha is presently on 120k, so I doubt that would work. Chances are he will get a moderate raise to extend, especially if he's fit and goes into next season as a 2x World Cup winner.

Wasn’t aware of that. Still think he’d be worth it as long as the term is reasonable re: 2/3 year extension.

 

[Sea-Cow]

I know what you mean. He looks for the niggly shithouse stuff to build his reputation, which to me sometimes screams out that he’s not able to physically dominate where it really matters. It’s bravado. When you compare him to some of our CBs of yesteryear, he’s not in the same ballpark in terms of physicality, bravery and dominance. I actually reckon that most CFs fancy having a go against him as he can be exploited, whereas they probably dreaded playing some of our other CBs in the past. Hell even Maguire is probably a tougher opponent.

Exactly. He was so rattled by Dominic freakin Calvert-Lewin last year that he pulled his hair! Its shameful, indefensible stuff.

And he should be insanely proud of himself and so full of self-belief! After all, he is a very short dude playing and occasionally thriving at CB in the premier league, in an era when set pieces and long throws etc are prevalent. That fact is very impressive!

But its like he's bought into this idea of "The Butcher" and so he goes out there and does embarrassing shit and sometimes plays like he's trying to get sent off. I really cant stand him.

 

[Jeffthered]

I take it you don’t like Yoro ?

Who would be acceptable - Lukeba, Diomande, Schottlerbeck ?

Yoro is work in progress and I think he has some way to go. Heaven is more suited to fill-in, get more games.. he had an excellent season last year and seems to have a little bit about him. Yoro worries me, I don't know whether he can manage playing Centre Half at such a big club, not at his stage of his career. He looks so vulnerable and the opposition can see this. I would be reluctant to play Yoro, period. That's just my, personal feeling.

Shotterbeck would be a terrific signing. I think Australia, Japan, Ivory Coast all had some v useful, quick centre half' on display, so I hope that our (er..) scouting are taking a look. We should have gone for Van Der Ven, but that's not going to happen now. A shame.

 

[Florida Man]

I'm sure any coach or manager worth their salt would have giving every player an indept analysis including which other position they can cover and it will be scrutinized in depth including trying them out in training.

I mean, maybe after all their consideration they didn't think he'd do a good job there. Not every player can cover many positions let alone DM

Keyword, worth their salt. Agreed on that. Strange to see managers/coaches at a club like ours (before Carrick), when plan A isn’t working, say feck it, and chuck Fellaini/Maguire up top and spam crosses.

 

[Florida Man]

Ajax. He played there when he arrived.

Ah ok. Interesting. I didn’t know he started off as DM.

 

[BuzzKillington]

Yoro is work in progress and I think he has some way to go. Heaven is more suited to fill-in, get more games.. he had an excellent season last year and seems to have a little bit about him. Yoro worries me, I don't know whether he can manage playing Centre Half at such a big club, not at his stage of his career. He looks so vulnerable and the opposition can see this. I would be reluctant to play Yoro, period. That's just my, personal feeling.

Shotterbeck would be a terrific signing. I think Australia, Japan, Ivory Coast all had some v useful, quick centre half' on display, so I hope that our (er..) scouting are taking a look. We should have gone for Van Der Ven, but that's not going to happen now. A shame.

In an ideal world I’d send Yoro out on loan to a championship club if it could be agreed. I genuinely believe a season down there would make him as a player. It’d develop his physical side and allow him to build some confidence.

I do appreciate it’d be a hard sell with him (somewhat justifiably), given he turned down RM to join us.

 

[jesperjaap]

We have two top top young cb. We also have finally reliable experience in Maguire.
Obviously the injury records of deligt and martinez are a concern, if they are prolonged with the lack of but growing experience of our youngsters.....

But i really dont understand how this forum backed a bang average at best lindelof for years....but doesnt seem to rate martinez at all.

Has flaws but hes a fantastic defender, a warrior and a leader. Id not swap him for many defenders at all...who do people think we are upgrading him for? Sounds like spurs upgrading....Romero can be a liability but hes a far better cb than the two theyve signed.

Keep, no doubt for me, fit with a run of games hez our best cb

 

[ValenciasDrilledCrosses]

Should sell while his value is high as he's having a good World Cup. Amazing passer of the ball, genuinely the best ball-playing CB in the world in my opinion. We always look better in possession with him in the team. But his height and lack of agility is exploitable and more importantly he's injured far too often.

That said, I'd only sell if we could get more than 25-30 million for him. Anything less and it's not worth it.

 

[Fully Fledged]

Renew.

 

[Tiber]

Sell sell sell. A player who can't stay healthy is of no use to us

 

[Demaw]

I think it is gonna be our last season with him. Next year, we need to buy two strong quick CBs to replace him and Maguire

We have them in Heaven and Yoro. These two could be here for 10 years.

 

[LoyalUnitedFan]

We have them in Heaven and Yoro. These two could be here for 10 years.

They are not world class yet, at least for now. We cannot compete for UCL and the Premier League with them as our starting CBs in 27-28

 

[Ayush_reddevil]

Sell for sure. Value at its highest and whilst he is excellent at the ball playing part the rest of his game is not good enough. He does a lot of stupid stuff on the football pitch and is not available half the time. Time to move on