MU has found a replacement for Bruno Fernandes

Facing major squad upheavals, Ruben Amorim took a decisive, situational move that immediately caught the spotlight. The willingness to adjust and prioritize the collective remains a noteworthy highlight of this individual.

MU is entering a challenging period as personnel issues continue to trouble the coaching staff. In this context, Lisandro Martinez unexpectedly became a temporary solution in midfield, demonstrating the Argentine defender’s readiness to sacrifice for the team.

During the 1-2 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League, Man United quickly found themselves in trouble when Bruno Fernandes had to leave the pitch after halftime due to injury. Losing their captain mid-game left coach Ruben Amorim with limited options. Instead of relying on younger players, the Portuguese manager brought Lisandro Martinez off the bench to play as a central midfielder, a reactive yet calculated decision.

Martinez had just returned to action after a long 11-month recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Nevertheless, the 1998-born player showed his usual composure, tactical awareness, and fighting spirit despite playing out of his natural position. His display at Villa Park partially confirmed that he remains a reliable option for Amorim, especially given Man United’s severe midfield shortages.

According to the plan, Man United will host Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day. However, Amorim currently has only three fit first-team midfielders: Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Mason Mount. Kobbie Mainoo suffered an injury at a crucial time, while younger options like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey are still experimental. This makes it highly likely Martinez will continue to be deployed in midfield.

In fact, Martinez playing multiple positions is not unusual. During his time at Ajax, he was trained in a system that emphasized tactical flexibility. At MU, he has often been placed on the left side or pushed forward to support midfield. This versatility ensures he can adapt whenever the team encounters difficulties.

Casemiro will return from suspension, easing some pressure on Man United’s midfield. Nevertheless, squad depth remains a serious challenge for Amorim. In this scenario, Lisandro Martinez once again proves his value not only through skill but also through his willingness to put the team’s interests above all else.