Man Utd 'willing to sell Lisandro Martinez' as INEOS label three other stars untouchable

Manchester United would not rule out selling Lisandro Martinez if Real Madrid are willing to cough up for the defender, according to reports.

Martinez is a fan favourite at Old Trafford, but INEOS do not consider him untouchable after two-and-a-half seasons with the club. The 26-year-old was an Erik ten Hag recruit, having previously played under the Dutchman at Ajax, and he spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign out injured.

This term, Martinez has started all bar three of United’s Premier League games. And his own disappointing form, as well as that of the team, has left the Red Devils languishing in 13th.

Even with new manager Ruben Amorim at the helm, United have been less than convincing. In the 3-2 home defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Martinez was aerially dominated by Nikola Milenkovic for the visitors’ first goal and made an awful blunder on the line for their third.

According to talkSPORT, United do not consider Martinez to be ‘off limits’ in the upcoming January transfer window. Real Madrid are believed to hold an interest in the Argentine, who cost a hefty £57million in the summer of 2022.

The same report states that INEOS are open to cashing in on virtually any player in Amorim’s squad, with the exception of talented youngsters Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo. Summer signing Leny Yoro is also highly unlikely to be sold so soon after recovering from a long-term injury.

Due to PSR rules, Amorim will not be given the freedom to let loose in the transfer market this winter unless sales are made. And INEOS’ reported stance suggests that big-name stars such as Martinez, Bruno Fernandes or even Marcus Rashford could all be available for a price.

Alongside their interest in Martinez, Real Madrid are also thought to be admirers of fellow United star Diogo Dalot as they look to fill a vacancy at right-back.

While the Red Devils may not have too much trouble convincing out-of-bounds academy graduates Garnacho and Mainoo to stay, Amad’s situation is more delicate. The Ivorian is out of contract in June, but Amorim is optimistic about all parties agreeing to extend.

“I think he wants to stay and we want him to stay, so that is clear and we will find a solution,” explained the Portuguese. “He can play in different positions and different systems, so he’s the kind of player we need.”