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MANCHESTER UNITED’S LISANDRO MARTINEZ DEALT NEW CHALLENGE ON VERGE OF RETURN

Man Utd's Lisandro Martinez is set to return from injury but faces a tough battle to reclaim his starting spot. Luke Shaw's superb form at left centre-back means Martinez must now prove his fitness and form.

Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez Dealt New Challenge on Verge of Return
Martinez Dealt New Challenge on Verge of Return - Darren Staples / AFP / AFP / Profimedia

The Manchester United defender might return to the team for this weekend's match against Tottenham Hotspur.

When Manchester United travels to play Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend, they could be fortunate to have a complete roster. Ruben Amorim will cherish this uncommon luxury, but it also gives him a welcome conundrum when it comes to choosing his side.

Although it is difficult to do so, Amorim might theoretically unleash his best lineup over the next weeks. While many of United's "best" team's stances may be clear, there are still two or three that are strongly contested and sure to split opinions.

The position of left centre-back is the closest of all. This month, Lisandro Martinez is anticipated to make his eagerly anticipated comeback from injury; nevertheless, he is facing an unforeseen obstacle as he gets ready to play for the first time since sustaining a catastrophic knee injury against Crystal Palace in February.


Martinez presented an unexpected obstacle.


When Lisandro Martinez joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022, he immediately made a name for himself as a vital member of the team. With his profile as a left-footed centre-back, he has been essential to maintaining the defence's balance, whether they have used a back three or a back four.

Martinez's ball-playing skills have been highly praised by both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, and despite being a defender, the Argentine is considered one of the United team's top playmakers. Both coaches have encouraged Martinez to be bold with his deep distribution and have looked to him to start attacks as frequently as he finishes them for the opposition.

The 27-year-old is a special player who has been indispensable in the United lineup when you combine his technical skill with his intense perseverance and leadership abilities. In any case, it was the case right up until the season began.

Regarding Martinez's expected return last month, Amorim stated, "It is absolutely crucial." We miss Licha a lot, especially right now; we miss his aggressiveness in all that he does. However, he consistently attends all meetings. He occasionally completes his training and remains to observe the instruction. Licha is essential to this team.

It would be incredibly unjust of Luke Shaw to imply that Martinez will significantly strengthen the starting lineup, even though he will undoubtedly improve the United first team squad. One of their unsung heroes of the season, the 30-year-old has overcome his own injury problems to take the Argentine's spot this season.

Shaw has demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, reads the game well, and has made some crucial blocks at the back. He has also been as good with the ball as Martinez. Many people believed that Shaw had lost this aspect of his game due to his terrible recent injury record, but he has really benefited from the shortened schedule and requirement to play just one game every week.

Amorim would selfishly not mind if Thomas Tuchel disregarded him, but his comeback has been so strong that it would not be shocking if he were called up to the England squad tomorrow. Although Shaw is currently the favourite to lose the job, the United head coach may now have a backup in the vital left centre-back position.

Martinez has the point to prove instead. He will start as a replacement when he rejoins the matchday squad, and it is up to him to respond to fitness-related queries in order to go back into the starting lineup. He may return, although he has not joined the team yet.

THOMAS TUCHEL AND CARLO ANCELOTTI RULE OUT MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER JOB VACANCY

Michael Carrick remains unbeaten as Man United manager! Read about his 2-0 win over City and why Tuchel and Ancelotti are ruled out.

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Manchester United’s Interim Boss Is Rewriting The Future Today

Manchester United are still searching for a new permanent manager after Ruben Amorim’s exit, even though Michael Carrick’s start as caretaker has turned some heads. Carlo Ancelotti’s already made it clear he’s not interested, and Thomas Tuchel just committed his future to England.

Carrick stepped in after Amorim got sacked last month, and so far, he’s done well. If the good results keep coming, United might offer him the job full-time, but they’re still looking at other options.

Tuchel was in the running for a while, but on Thursday, he signed a new deal with the England national team. He’s staying put until after Euro 2028.

Then there’s Ancelotti. He’s coaching Brazil now and looks set to extend his contract there soon. United reportedly had him on their list, but last year, the Italian pretty much ruled out returning to club football unless Real Madrid came calling.

Back in September 2025, Ancelotti spoke to L’Equipe about his future. He didn’t leave much room for doubt and said there’s only one European side he’d consider managing again.

“Real Madrid is the only team I will accept managing after Brazil,” Ancelotti said. So, with that and his new Brazil deal, United can cross his name off for good.

So, who takes over after this season? No one knows yet. Carrick, since stepping back in January, hasn’t lost a single match.

He kicked things off by leading United to a 2-0 win over Manchester City can’t ask for a better start. After that, they beat Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham, and then grabbed a last-minute draw against West Ham.

This unbeaten run has fans and pundits calling for Carrick to get the job permanently. After the win over Fulham, people wanted to know what he thought about his future. Carrick kept it honest: “Nothing’s changed, to be honest.

“I know what I’m here to do and what’s expected of me. We want success, and I want the club to be successful down the line—whether that’s with me or someone else.

“I can’t control what happens next. All I can do is try to make the team better and make United stronger. A handful of good results doesn’t change that. If it does, something’s off.

“You can’t just react to a few games, good or bad. It’s about building something solid.”

THE £70M HOMECOMING: WHY MAN UNITED DREAM OF RE-SIGNING SERIE A MVP SCOTT MCTOMINAY

Manchester United wants Scott McTominay back! Discover the £70m price tag and why Tottenham is eyeing Michael Carrick for manager.

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Napoli Demand €80m As United Prepare Bold Scott McTominay Transfer Offer

Manchester United want Scott McTominay back at Old Trafford, and it’s no secret what it’ll cost them. Meanwhile, Tottenham are eyeing a bold move for a new manager.

McTominay left United in August 2024, heading to Napoli for £25 million even though he’d just finished his best season yet, scoring some big goals and keeping Erik ten Hag in the job. Since then, he’s thrived in Italy. Last season, he helped Napoli win the Serie A title and even picked up the league’s MVP award. No wonder Premier League clubs are paying attention. United want him back, and they’re at the front of the queue.

The word from Italy is United “dream of a reunion. McTominay’s happy in Naples, but he’s got unfinished business at United and wants to prove his critics wrong. Napoli’s chief, Leonardo Giammarioli, admitted he’s worried about losing his star midfielder if a massive offer comes in. He even compared it to Nick Woltemade’s exit from Stuttgart.

Fraser Fletcher, our transfer guy, broke the story back in November that United and Arsenal are both looking at McTominay, and Spurs are interested too. But McTominay’s not leaving for just any club. He wants the right project. And it won’t be cheap. Napoli want at least €80m (£70m/$95m) if they’re going to let their 29-year-old star go.

For United, McTominay is one of several targets as they look to rebuild their midfield. Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton are also on the list.

Now, about Michael Carrick: United loves what he’s done as interim boss. But they’re not the only ones. Graeme Bailey says Tottenham are seriously considering Carrick for their permanent manager job. Carrick played for both United and Spurs, and Tottenham already thought about him before hiring Thomas Frank last summer. His quick adjustment to Premier League management hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Spurs have brought in Igor Tudor as interim manager, but Carrick’s in the mix to take over this summer. Of course, it depends on whether United decide to keep him themselves. Sources say United are really impressed with his style and attitude, though they’re still weighing their options.

United aren’t just busy with managers; they’re scouting too. This weekend, they’ll have people watching Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco and Juventus’ Pierre Kalulu in the Derby d’Italia. Kalulu’s been all over the pitch for Juve, playing centre-back, right-back, and wing-back. Dimarco, on the other hand, has been electric for Inter at left wing-back, with six goals and 13 assists in 31 games. Both United and Arsenal are watching closely.

Dimarco might be easier to sign than Kalulu because of his contract. Inter want to extend his deal, but for now, it runs out in June 2027. United have been dreaming about him as their new left-back.

On another note, England rugby captain Maro Itoje spoke out against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments on immigration. “I disagree with the terminology and sentiments of what he said,” Itoje told the BBC. “I do not believe that immigrants have colonised Great Britain. That’s just not true, and it’s the wrong thing to say.

“I’m a proud Londoner, proud to play for and captain England. That’s one of my greatest accomplishments. But I’m also of Nigerian descent, and I’m proud of that heritage too.

“Honestly, I think Ratcliffe’s wording was clumsy, and his numbers were wrong. I saw he apologised, and I respect people who can admit when they’ve messed up and say sorry. So, credit to him for that.”

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