Man United tipped to let Lisandro Martinez go after 'behind-the-scenes talks'

Manchester United have not ruled out the sale of Lisandro Martinez despite initial plans for him to play a key role in the upcoming season.

The 28-year-old remains highly regarded at Old Trafford and is expected to be part of Michael Carrick's plans as long as he remains at the club beyond the transfer deadline.

However, growing concerns about his recurring injury issues could push the club to cut their losses amid growing interest from a number of clubs across Europe.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the club have held internal talks about whether or not Martinez could be moved on.

This comes after the centre-back picked up a new injury during the World Cup final, sparking fresh concerns after he struggled to maintain his fitness last season.

Martinez has just one year remaining on his contract at Man United, and no new terms have been offered as things stand, meaning they could be tempted to accept new offers.

Could Man United cash in on Lisandro Martinez?

Brown first told Football Insider in March that Man United were concerned about Martinez and closely monitoring his injury issues after yet another blow.

Those concerns have not been eased after his latest blow, and instead it has forced the club to consider their options, with the potential to cash in on the defender.

Should a reasonable offer arrive, Man United will consider it, and despite their admiration for his talents they are now prepared to let him move on.

"Man United will not rule out selling Martinez because of these injury issues," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's still very highly regarded, and I believe the plan has been for him to partner Harry Maguire in the defence, but after this latest injury that plan might have to change.

"It's something they'll be speaking about behind the scenes with all the different departments, medical, scouting, the manager, and they'll have to make a decision.

"When he's fit and on it, he's a really good centre-back. He's aggressive, he doesn't let you settle, he wins his duels and he's good on the ball as well, he's such a valuable asset.

"But none of that is any good if he's always sat in the stands with an injury, so if there's any indication these issues are going to keep coming up, I expect they'll look to cut their losses.

"There will be interest from clubs in Spain and elsehwere, so I wouldn't be surprised if they considered letting him go.

"If an offer comes in, Man United will certainly listen to it, and if there's any possibility that they can get a good price for him then I expect they will allow him to move on.

"Obviously if that happens then they will need to bring in a replacement, because there are concerns about De Ligt as well, but I'm sure they are well aware of that situation.

"I just don't think they've ruled out the possibility of letting Martinez go, especially with his contract situation and those injury issues."

What is the latest on Martinez's injury situation?

Martinez's latest injury blow came when he was forced off during the World Cup final with a thigh issue, with fears that the blow is likely to be a serious one.

While no further clarity has emerged on the length of his potential absence, the centre-back recently commented that he is fully focused on retuning to full fitness quickly.

Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that Man United will assess Martinez's injury record and whether or not they believe he can maintain a long period of fitness.

The defender has seen him miss 92 games since joining United in 2022, with a recent cruciate ligament tear the worst of them and likely sparking his recent string of muscle issues.

While there is plenty of admiration for the defender's talents when available, the club have been frustrated by his constant issues and are now assessing their next steps.