Ruben Amorim urged to use Lisandro Martinez as a defensive midfielder for Manchester United
Manchester United have made a disastrous start to the 2025/26 season. They sit 14th in the Premier League table with just four points from four games. The Red Devils have managed one win, one draw, and two defeats, with a poor goal difference of -3 after conceding seven goals and scoring only four.
Most recently, Ruben Amorim’s side suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. To make matters worse, League Two outfit Grimsby Town knocked them out of the Carabao Cup on penalties. Off the pitch, the club recorded a £33 million loss in the last financial year ending June 2025. With results faltering and pressure mounting, Amorim finds himself under intense scrutiny, and the outlook for the club appears increasingly bleak.
New talent unlocked?
Amorim has remained committed to his 3-4-2-1 formation, which relies on a two-man midfield pivot. However, the absence of a reliable defensive midfielder has left the team badly exposed. United made an attempt to sign Carlos Baleba during the summer, but Brighton’s high demands scuppered the deal. The Cameroon international has since expressed interest in joining United in 2026, offering some hope for the future. In the meantime, the Red Devils are also battling stiff competition for the highly-rated Adam Wharton.
Ruben Amorim urged to use Lisandro Martinez as a defensive midfielder for Manchester United.
Will Lisandro Martinez fit in as a defensive midfielder at Manchester United?
In this context, journalist Steve Bates, writing exclusively for Give Me Sport, has suggested that Amorim should consider deploying Lisandro Martínez as a defensive midfielder. The 27-year-old is nearing full fitness after recovering from an ACL injury, making him a potential solution in the short term. Manuel Ugarte has failed to impress in the holding role, while Amorim remains unconvinced by Kobbie Mainoo’s suitability for the position. As a result, Bates argues that the Argentine’s ball-playing ability and defensive instincts could make him the most viable option for the role at this stage.
Will it work?
Casemiro was once regarded as a world-class defensive midfielder, but he is now in the twilight of his career and no longer has the pace required to cope with the intensity of the Premier League. This shortcoming has repeatedly exposed United’s midfield and placed additional strain on the three-man defence, which has struggled to keep goals out. The current crop of defensive midfielders has proven unreliable, with Manuel Ugarte often careless in possession and rash in his decision-making.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system demands energetic, technically proficient midfielders. While Lisandro Martínez has primarily operated as a centre-back, he previously featured in defensive midfield during his time at Ajax Amsterdam. The Argentine’s aggression, passing range, and reading of the game suggest he could bring value in that role. However, questions remain over whether he possesses the stamina and physicality to withstand the Premier League’s relentless pace. His recurring injury issues only heighten doubts about his suitability and consistency in such a demanding position.