Man United doing 'due diligence' on Lisandro Martinez replacement
Manchester United are planning for a future without Lisandro Martinez in their back line with replacements on their radar.
The 28-year-old has endured a difficult start to the season on the pitch at Old Trafford, while his recent outburst against the hierarchy has cast further doubt over his future.
As things stand, he has less than a year remaining on his contract, and while he had been expected to land an extension, that decision has now been brought into question.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that potential replacements for Martinez are already being considered by the recrtuitment team.
This comes alongside plans to overhaul Michael Carrick's defensive line following a slow start to the season, and those plans could be accelerated to the January window.
While Martinez remains an important part of Carrick's side, and started in the 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Sunday, his outburst at the owners has led to doubts about his future at the club.
Could Man United look to replace Lisandro Martinez?
Brown told Football Insider on 13 October that Man United have serious doubts about Martinez as a result of his disappointing performances and inconsistency this season.
Since then, Martinez's comments about the club hierarchy and the lack of backing for the manager have raised further doubts over his future, and a replacement could push him out.
"Everybody knows it's happening, Man United want to improve their defence, because it hasn't been good enough," Brown told Football Insider.
"Individually, none of the players are stepping up and proving their worth, and to be honest I think Martinez has been the worst of all of them, he has been so inconsistent.
"The amount of errors he makes is not acceptable, and if he keeps playing like he has been, I can't see any way he has a future in this side.
"It's not too long now until the January transfer window, and if they continue to struggle, I expect Man United will be looking to bring players in to plug those gaps.
"There is every chance Martinez could be replaced, if not in January then next summer, with a player who can bring a bit more consistency and command that back line.
"So if they’re going to sign a new centre-back in January or even next summer, it wouldn’t surprise me if Martinez found himself out of the side.
"They're already considering their options behind the scenes, looking at potential options to come in and replace him, and doing their due diligence on a few different players.
"If the right player is there and could be available, then I expect they will make a move, and it should be Martinez who drops out to make way."
How did Man United feel about Martinez's statement?
Martinez's outburst after the midweek defeat against Atletico Madrid raised further uncertainty about his position at Old Trafford, with the club believed to be unhappy.
The defender accused the hierarchy, including director of football Jason Wilcox, of lacking ambition and failing to support the manager and the players with quality additions.
Football Insider revealed on 18 October that Martinez's outburst has raised doubts about his future at Man United, with the club now considering their next steps.
Any discussions surrounding an improved or extended contract have now been put on ice, and this could signal the beginning of the end for his time in Carrick's side.
With less than a year remaining on his deal, and replacements now being assessed, there is a growing feeling that Martinez will be allowed to find a new club.