Manchester United are shuffling the pack in defence and after Tyrell Malacia’s arrival earlier this month, there could be further changes in Erik ten Hag’s backline.
Malacia comes as competition to Luke Shaw but the Englishman remains the first choice on the left flank. It is, however, more uncertain through the middle.
There is no undisputed first-choice partnership at centre-back but Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are the three main options.
And now, United are edging closer to adding Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez to that list, with journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming earlier on Wednesday that personal terms have been agreed with the 24-year-old.
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His arrival could have a knock-on effect on the rest of United’s centre-backs, with new claims suggesting that Martinez’s signing could spell the end for three players.
That’s according to The Mirror, who say that Martinez signing means that Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Eric Bailly will all be leaving in a bid to not overload Ten Hag’s options in that area.
As per the report, United are hoping to finalise deals for both Martinez and Christian Eriksen in the coming days, with chief operators John Murtough and Richard Arnold brokering deals.
SN’s verdict…
It’s safe to say that United’s squad is bloated and particularly in defence where major surgery is needed. As things stand, Ten Hag has six senior centre-backs at his disposal but realistically, only three are in his plans.
Bailly impressed in his 45-minute appearance against Liverpool earlier this week and he may want to fight for his place considering he has three years left on his contract.
Things are looking bleaker for Jones and Tuanzebe, however. The pair are both entering the final year of their contracts and United would do well to cash in on them.
