Rúben Amorim is reportedly set to hand a big role to one of his current Manchester United crop as the Christmas fixture list rolls into Old Trafford.
Manchester United have made a patchy start to the season, currently sitting 10th in the Premier League after seven games.
Losses to Arsenal, Manchester City, and Brentford have been balanced by victories over Chelsea, Sunderland, and Burnley, while their meeting with Fulham finished all square.
Under Rúben Amorim’s leadership, the Reds have shown glimpses of progress but remain very much a work in progress, with many fans believing the team’s growth has yet to meet expectations.
While Matthijs de Ligt and Bryan Mbeumo have stood out, the majority of the squad will need to step up in the coming weeks if United are to climb the standings.
Amorim to hand Martínez big role amid return
On Friday afternoon, Amorim confirmed to the press that defender Lisandro Martínez is very close to a return to the first-team squad, with reports suggesting he is set to be part of the on-pitch action in the coming weeks.
Amid his pending return, GiveMeSport have reported that Martínez is set to play a big role at United once he finally returns to action, and is expected to retain his position as the first-choice left centre-half.
This could spell danger for Luke Shaw, who has so far been the man to hold down Martinez’s position this season amid the Argentinian’s injury problems.
The English defender has just under two years left on his contract, but with Martínez being handed a significant role under Amorim amid his return, Shaw could find himself on the transfer list next summer.
Casemiro praises Martínez’s work rate
Martínez has had several major injury problems since he signed for United, but when fit, he has played a massive part in the squad’s progressive play.
Casemiro, a fellow South American, only had praise for the player earlier this week. Speaking to club media, the 33-year-old said, “Licha is on the final straight.
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“He is a soldier who works so hard. He is always in the gym working hard. He is a machine that works so hard. He is one of those players that loves to work hard.
“It is a pleasure to have him here, he works so much. We arrived [today] at 9am and it is now 4pm and he continues working.
“He has the experience to know when to work hard. I will be so glad for his return. It’s not just me — everyone is happy — because he is an essential player at the club that works so hard.”
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