Van de Ven's Old Trafford return puts him in United's sights as Martinez future hangs in balance

Manchester United face a significant defensive rebuild in the summer of 2027, with the future of Lisandro Martinez at the centre of their planning as the Argentine approaches the final months of his contract at Old Trafford.

Martinez, who turns 29 in January, has been a reliable performer under manager Michael Carrick when available, but availability has been his persistent problem. Since joining from Ajax, he has started just 65 of a possible 152 Premier League games, hampered by serious knee and foot injuries. United hold a one-year option on his deal, as they do on Harry Maguire’s, but a new long-term contract will depend on Martinez delivering a full season of consistent performances.

Should United decide to move on, their search would focus on a left-footed centre-back — and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven fits the profile. The 25-year-old Dutchman is less of a passer than Martinez but compensates with elite pace and the ability to carry the ball forward, qualities United have witnessed directly. In September 2024, van de Ven burst from defence at Old Trafford to set up Brennan Johnson in Spurs’ 3-0 win.

Van de Ven recently signed a new long-term deal at Tottenham, but that has not prevented speculation linking him with both United and Liverpool. If Spurs endure another underwhelming season, the defender could seek a move, and this weekend’s fixture at Old Trafford gives him a timely stage to underline his credentials to those watching from the home dugout.

Beyond the Martinez question, United’s defensive picture is crowded with uncertainty. Maguire turns 34 in March and the club may view next summer as the natural point to part ways. Matthijs de Ligt, meanwhile, must rebuild his case after ten months out with a back injury. Younger options are also pushing for prominence — Leny Yoro, 20, is expected to press for regular selection, while 19-year-old Ayden Heaven is targeting a role that could put pressure on Martinez’s place.

A new left-back is considered the primary defensive priority for 2027, with Lewis Hall identified as a leading target, but movement at centre-back now looks equally likely given the number of contracts expiring and the fitness questions that remain unresolved.