£69m colossus in line to replace unreliable United star the club have “huge concerns” about – opinion

INEOS are set for a busy summer at Old Trafford, with major changes expected across the playing staff and the decision on the permanent head coach yet to be confirmed. It’s expected that the focus will be on improving the midfield options across the squad as Manchester United look light in the engine room, particularly given Casemiro’s pending exit from Old Trafford. However, the hierarchy would be negligent to ignore the other areas of the pitch in need of improvement, as the current centre-backs at the club have shown their unreliability throughout the season. The Butcher’s Concern United’s World Cup-winning defender Lisandro Martinez certainly falls into that category, with injury and suspension ruling him out of far too many games this season. It has been a common theme since his arrival from Ajax in 2022, and Football Insider have reported that United have “serious concerns” regarding the consistent issues that surround the 28-year-old Argentine. After returning from yet another lay-off to face Leeds on Monday night, Martinez only lasted an hour due to an incident with Dominic Calvert-Lewin that led to his dismissal. As well as leaving his teammates to face the music for the final 30 minutes against Leeds, Martinez is likely to miss the next three games, which could make or break Champions League qualification for next season. Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool make up the next three games, and Michael Carrick could have done with his best players available to him in the crucial run-in. Whilst it is acknowledged that United have other priorities to address in the summer, here are a few potential replacements for the Argentina international should INEOS decide he is no longer fit for purpose at Old Trafford. Jarrad Branthwaite United have been linked with many a centre-back in recent years, and that list has regularly included Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, about whom the club have made formal enquiries across the last few windows. However, Branthwaite himself has suffered with injuries since his breakthrough on Merseyside, which should be a major red flag for the powers that be at Old Trafford. Matthijs de Ligt has become another major issue at the club, and with him and Martinez prone to the treatment room, United can ill-afford another undependable figure in such an important position of the pitch. If Branthwaite could guarantee his fitness, there are not many out there who can match his potential, and whilst INEOS could use his injury record as a bartering tool, they will be aware of the major gamble the Everton man represents. Nico Schlotterbeck Nico Schlotterbeck is another reportedly on United’s shortlist, with the 26-year-old enjoying another fine season in the Bundesliga. The German’s huge presence and ability on the ball have attracted plenty of suitors, with United one of many holding an interest in the centre-half. Borussia Dortmund are a significantly better side with Schlotterbeck at the heart of their defence, and he is expected to play a huge role in the World Cup with Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany in the summer. However, the pace of the Premier League has caught out players with more experience than Schlotterbeck, and yet again there is no guarantee the signing would bring success. Ousmane Diomande The young Sporting CP centre-back is quickly emerging as one of the most sought-after defenders on the continent, and United are well aware of the potential the 22-year-old possesses. Full of pace and power, the Ivorian does look a good fit for the English game, with multiple Premier League clubs registering their interest in the player. However, it will cost INEOS the best part of £70 million to bring him to Old Trafford, with the Portuguese giants holding the cards given the length of his contract, and the release clause will have to be met. A costly gamble should Diomande not reach the heights he promises, and United could be left with egg on their face once more. Conclusion: Options depend on crucial run-in No doubt the powers that be will be discussing all the options internally and plotting their window around a budget that will be largely influenced by whether or not United qualify for the Champions League. Michael Carrick’s side face a crucial six-game run-in that will decide their fate for next season and the ability for INEOS to make a major splash in the summer market. Carrick would no doubt love one of the above options to be available to him this weekend, with United travelling to West London on Saturday in the midst of a defensive crisis. The trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday night represents a huge opportunity for United to all but seal their place in the top five, which would allow INEOS to start honing in on targets with a much healthier bank balance. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A lifelong red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the unforgettable night in Paris in 2019 under the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.