Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for up to eight weeks while recovering from a knee injury sustained on Sunday, according to Manchester United officials.
United won 3-0 at West Ham thanks to goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, but the result was overshadowed by concerns that Martinez had suffered yet another major physical injury.
The Argentine has only recently returned to competitive play after missing many months owing to an aggravated foot injury from the previous season.
Martinez demonstrated what fans had been missing while he was on the treatment table in the four games he has played since his return.
He came on as a substitute to assist United earn a crucial draw against Tottenham Hotspur earlier in January. The World Cup champion began with victories over Newport County, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and, most recently, West Ham.
Following the final whistle against the Hammers, Ten Hag provided an ominous Martinez fitness update, implying that the centre-back could be out for several weeks or months.
The Peoples Person reported that the player will not require surgery and did not suffer an ACL injury. Martinez is expected to return shortly after the March international break.
In his absence, Ten Hag will need to find solutions in upcoming fixtures against the likes of Aston Villa, Luton, Fulham, Manchester City, Everton and Sheffield United, as well as the club’s FA Cup fifth round clash with Nottingham Forest or Bristol City.
Here’s how Ten Hag could set up his side to ensure the almost irreplaceable Martinez is not too sorely missed.
Deploy Luke Shaw at left-centre-back
One option for Ten Hag could be using Shaw as a centre-half. It’s certainly a role the England international is familiar with.
Shaw was employed as a left-sided defender in the heart of United’s defense for parts of the 2022/23 season.
He performed admirably in that job. Ten Hag is known to prefer a skilled left-footed centre-half who can find passing angles and efficiently play out of the back. Shaw is undoubtedly capable of doing this.
The United number 23 is also physically fit enough to compete with the Premier League’s muscular strikers on a regular basis.
With Shaw temporarily standing in for Martinez, Ten Hag’s dilemma may come down to who will partner the 28-year-old.
Even better, Tyrell Malacia, who has not played a single minute this season, is approaching a return and may slot in at left-back.
Consider a Varane-Maguire collaboration.
Ten Hag might employ a more conventional and natural strategy to compensate for Martinez’s absence, such as teaming Harry Maguire with Varane.
While this combo isn’t the strongest on paper, it could be the best United can do for a while, at least until Martinez returns to the starting lineup.
Ten Hag does not have to worry about United being outmatched aerially or physically with Maguire and Varane. Both athletes have large frames and are adept in the air.
They surely get along well with one other. Maguire and Varane are seasoned operators who understand how to get the job done.
The former United captain was outstanding against West Ham and will be looking to maintain his form throughout Martinez’s absence.
Ten Hag said before the match against the Irons why Maguire was chosen ahead of Varane because to his strong performances prior to injury.
Ten Hag hinted at this in December, even suggesting that Maguire may become a fixture on his teams. The United manager praised the English defender’s mental tenacity.
He stated regarding Maguire: “He’s now a very important player for us — he fought back, and he showed great mentality. In this season, we’re in right direction and Harry is in the right direction with his team. Now make the next steps.”
🔴 Erik ten Hag on Maguire: “He’s now a very important player for us — he fought back, and he showed great mentality”.
“In this season, we’re in right direction and Harry is in the right direction with his team. Now make the next steps”. pic.twitter.com/1k3D216Tyk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 2, 2023
United will certainly need him to be at his best.
Make Victor Lindelof the starter.
From the outside looking in, Lindelof appears to be Martinez’s natural replacement. The Swede has a good left foot and can provide some line-breaking passes, but to a lesser extent than his vastly greater partner.
Lindelof came on as a substitute during the West Ham encounter, marking his 250th appearance for United.
He was hurt, but now appears to be totally recovered and ready to go. He impressed in the later portions of last season, attracting interest from some of Italy’s finest clubs.
Fans will be hoping he can duplicate his previous performances and assist the 20-time English Champions dominate the second half of the season.
Jonny Evans and Casemiro’s options
If necessary, Ten Hag can also rely on Evans and Casemiro.
Evans was signed as a free agent in the summer on a one-year contract and has shown to be a wise investment. During a season in which most of the backline has failed to stay healthy, the North Irishman has stepped in admirably at the back when needed.
Evans has been solid, and his expertise and leadership have been extremely beneficial to Ten Hag and his colleagues. With Martinez out, he can fill in if needed.
If absolutely necessary, or if further injuries occur along the way, Casemiro is an option at centre-back. Like Shaw, the Brazilian has previously played there and understands what is necessary.
However, such an approach is likely to be used as a last resort.
