Lisandro Martinez could be handed surprise roles at Manchester United next season

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez may occasionally occupy some surprise roles in the starting lineup next season, according to reports.

The Argentine international has impressed heavily since his arrival at the Old Trafford club from Ajax, making the left-sided centre-back position his own. The only persistent issues Martinez has faced in England are related to his own fitness, with multiple injuries plaguing him across the two seasons.

But the 26-year-old is now fit, as evident from his recent displays for his national team at the Copa America. He also has a new central defensive partner waiting at Manchester United, in the new £52 million-worth signing, Leny Yoro.

Everyone expects Yoro and Martinez to become the Red Devils’ first-choice centre-back pairing for years to come. But that may not always be the case, if latest reports are to be believed.

Lisandro Martinez could get surprise roles at Manchester United

According to GiveMeSport, insiders at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground believe there could be two new surprise roles for Lisandro Martinez next season: a defensive midfield enforcer and an emergency left-back.

This move will be down to the Reds’ intention to continue pursuing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt to strengthen their central defensive unit. A deal for Everton’s Jarred Branthwaite hasn’t been completely ruled out either, considering the cash-strapped Toffees need to generate funds now more than ever.

In a scenario where at least one, if not both, of these targets are signed, Martinez could at times be pushed further up into midfield.

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The ‘Butcher’ certainly has the speed, tackling and passing abilities to play in a defensive midfield role, and his presence may also enable Kobbie Mainoo to occupy a more advanced position.

If not in midfield, the South American defender could also fill in at left-back. This appears to be the likelier possibility at the moment, considering Luke Shaw remains as injury-prone as ever and Tyrell Malacia is yet to return to first-team fitness levels.

All in all, for Martinez as well as Manchester United, an interesting season awaits.