Lisandro Martinez Exit Looms in Manchester United Defensive Rebuild
Manchester United are moving towards a significant decision at the back, with Lisandro Martinez increasingly likely to depart next summer as the club reshapes its defence. According to the Daily Mail, the expectation around Old Trafford is that a broader overhaul will gather pace at the end of the season, and the Argentine appears vulnerable within it.
Martinez’s situation has become one of the more notable contract stories at the club. His recent criticism of United’s summer transfer work created noise externally and led to internal punishment, followed by an apology, but the report makes clear that this is not viewed as the central reason behind his possible exit. Instead, the bigger issue is contractual and strategic. With his current deal due to expire at the end of June, United do not want to lose a player of his profile for nothing. That leaves a fairly obvious route, trigger the one-year option and seek a sale next summer.
From United’s perspective, it is a practical stance. Martinez has delivered quality when available and has been a regular presence on the left side of central defence since arriving from Ajax for £57 million in 2022. Yet availability remains a serious part of the conversation. His latest thigh problem at Elland Road only sharpened the concern around a player who has already spent long periods sidelined during his time in Manchester.
Jarrad Branthwaite back on Manchester United radar
If Martinez does move on, it would fit into a wider refresh that may also involve decisions on Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire. Shaw is approaching the end of his deal after more than a decade at the club, while Maguire’s contract contains an extension option. Neither case appears fully settled yet, which leaves United with several moving parts in one area of the squad.
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That helps explain why Jarrad Branthwaite remains firmly in the thinking. United previously saw bids rejected by Everton in 2024, with offers worth up to £50 million failing to land the defender. The interest has clearly not disappeared. Branthwaite’s age, Premier League experience and profile as a left-sided centre-back make him an obvious candidate if United decide to act decisively.
One point of stability in the report concerns Matthijs de Ligt. Despite a difficult period with injury and a long absence after back surgery, there is said to be no uncertainty around his future. United still view him as part of the longer-term picture, and his contract running to 2029 reinforces that confidence.
Manchester United hierarchy staying calm around Michael Carrick
There was also clarification around the managerial and executive picture. Speculation over a meeting between Michael Carrick and Jason Wilcox at Carrington on Monday was wide of the mark, with the report stating that no such summit took place. That matters because it cuts through some of the noise that has followed a poor run of results and growing scrutiny on the football leadership.
United have gone six games without a win, and that inevitably creates pressure. Wilcox has been questioned after Martinez’s public comments, while Carrick is enduring a difficult start in league terms. Even so, the indication is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s confidence in Wilcox remains intact, and there is no push to change the head coach at this stage.
That is an important detail. Clubs in this position can become reactive, but the current mood appears more measured than some of the headlines suggest. United may be preparing for change in personnel, especially in defence, while resisting the temptation to make broader upheaval in the dugout.
Harry Amass future points towards January move
Another situation to watch is Harry Amass. There is growing expectation that the 19-year-old will leave in January after finding first-team opportunities extremely limited. Despite injuries around the left-back position, he has barely featured, and several players from other roles have been trusted ahead of him.
That tends to tell its own story. United were open to solutions in the summer and may now revisit them, whether as a loan or permanent departure. A number of Championship clubs are reported to be interested, and the next window looks like a key moment for the player. For a young full-back who benefited from senior exposure at Sheffield Wednesday, sitting still would make little sense.
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This all feels painfully familiar. Every time there is talk of a reset, the same themes appear, contracts running down, injuries shaping decision-making, and another summer where the back line needs major surgery. Martinez has had quality, heart and presence when fit, and nobody could question his commitment. The problem is that United cannot keep building around players who spend too much time unavailable, however popular they are.
If the plan is to trigger an extension and sell, that is simply sensible squad management. Letting him walk for nothing would be negligent. The same goes for the uncertainty around Shaw and Maguire. Sentiment has hung around this squad for too long, and it has cost the club repeatedly. Hard calls are overdue.
Branthwaite makes sense on paper, but everyone knows what happens when United circle a target for too long. The price rises, the saga drags on, and the club ends up looking unconvincing. If he is the right profile, move quickly and get it done. If not, identify the next one and act like a properly run football club.
The Amass situation is frustrating too. If he is not trusted even in an injury crisis, then he has to go and play somewhere. Young players cannot develop on the bench while makeshift options jump ahead of them. At least the update on Kai Rooney gives supporters something to watch with interest. Right now, any sign of coherent planning, whether in recruitment or development, would be a welcome change.