Michael Carrick is continuing to fight fires as he clings to the Manchester United job
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez has become a problem for Manchester United(Image: Adam Davy/Press Association)
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Manchester United could solve two problems in one go with a January swap deal. There are multiple issues for head coach Michael Carrick - or his potential replacement - to address following a dire start to the season for United.
Lisandro Martinez has become a problem on and off the pitch, while the left-back position remains an issue following the failure to bring in a replacement - or at least competition for - Luke Shaw in the summer.
Last month, Martinez let rip at director of football Jason Wilcox for the club's summer business. On the pitch, he has arguably become a liability and was sent off against Chelsea for a pair of bookings, one for pulling back Morgan Rogers and another for recklessly catching Wesley Fofana with a stray arm.
The Argentine is out of contract in the summer but could potentially leave before then after Barcelona were linked with a January swoop. Due to La Liga financial rules, the Catalans would need to sell a player to make room for Martinez.
According to Marca, the player most likely to be offloaded is left-back Alejandro Balde, who has been linked with United for some time. He was close to moving to Old Trafford in the summer but wanted to stay at Barca and fight for his place.
That looks like a losing battle, given the 23-year-old has barely figured for Hansi Flick's side this season, making just three appearances and no starts. Overall, he has made 172 appearances for the club but it now looks like his future lies away from the Nou Camp. A swap deal involving Martinez and Balde could be best for all concerned.
In the view of some, Martinez's recent behaviour is evidence that he is looking for a route out of Old Trafford, although Carrick insists he has no concerns about the 28-year-old's intentions.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash with Roma, the head coach said: "No, I've got no concerns about commitment at all. Things happen in football.
Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona is presented to the fans prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou
Alejandro Balde could be the answer to United's left-back problems(Image: Getty)
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"Sometimes you do things, sometimes you make a decision, sometimes you make mistakes. But the commitment is not an issue for sure.
"I've said it before, the commitment of the players to the club, to me, to each other is something I don't question at all. We need to play better, we can make better decisions, but commitment's not a thing at all."
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