Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez could well face competition for his place, with Erik ten Hag eyeing a new left-sided centre-back
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Manchester United are looking to bring Lisandro Martinez some competition, as their woes continue.
The Red Devils slumped to a fourth Premier League defeat of the season at the weekend, losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace at home. Erik ten Hag's side are now 10th in the table – and to compound matters, World Cup winner Martinez has picked up another injury to add to the injury crisis at Old Trafford.
The centre-back is set for a second operation on a broken metatarsal, according to the Mail – but now, reports are suggesting that by the time the Argentine returns to action, there may be another player vying for his starting position.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure after a bad start to the season (Image credit: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
The Sun reports that Manchester United are looking to exercise Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio's £52 million release clause to provide depth in defence.
Inacio is highly rated in his native Portugal and is a regular starter for Ruben Amorim's side as a left-sided centre-back. The 22-year-old has been linked with the Premier League in recent months and was believed to be a target for Liverpool, at one stage.
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But United reportedly have a good relationship with Sporting, stretching back to the deal for now-club captain Bruno Fernandes. With Inacio available for a set fee, the process of signing the star should be a straightforward one – and United could improve their depth on that side of defence as early as January.
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Last season, Luke Shaw played at centre-back during Martinez's injury layoffs. Harry Maguire is also comfortable on that side but isn't trusted by Ten Hag.
Goncalo Inacio of Sporting is wanted by Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)
United face Galatasaray in the Champions League tonight.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
