Manchester United have issued a transfer ultimatum to defender, Lisandro Martinez due to his ongoing fitness issues.
Erik ten Hag signed Martinez from Ajax for £57 million in 2022, having previously worked with the Argentine defender at the Dutch club.
Despite concerns from several pundits regarding Martinez’s physique and his ability to adapt to the Premier League, the 28-year-old made a strong impression during his first season in Manchester, featuring in 45 matches and contributing to United’s Carabao Cup victory.
However, Martinez has faced challenges maintaining his fitness, missing 65 Premier League matches over the last three seasons due to various injuries.
The centre-back had a steady presence in the team during the latter half of last season, but another injury sustained during Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain hindered his preparations for the current season.
Martinez was an unused substitute in Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Hull City on Saturday and will be eager to gain some playing time when newly promoted Ipswich Town visit Old Trafford this weekend.
The 2022 World Cup winner has entered the final year of his contract with United, although the club has the option to extend his contract for an additional 12 months.
It is uncertain whether Manchester United will opt to activate that clause, leaving Martinez in a position where he must ‘fight’ to preserve his career with the Red Devils.
While the management at Old Trafford holds Martinez in high regard, talkSPORT reports that they expect him to ‘demonstrate his ability to remain fit’ or face the possibility of being sold next summer.