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After staying relatively quiet in the market this summer, Manchester United are expected to place major emphasis on strengthening the club’s defence next year.

As previously reported, apart from Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, every defender at the club is effectively playing for his Manchester United future.

That list includes Lisandro Martinez. When fully fit, the Argentina international remains a huge asset for the side because of his aggressive defending and outstanding range of passing.

There was interest in the 28-year-old from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but the Red Devils decided to continue backing the former Ajax defender.

However, his injury history remains a concern, and there are also questions over his temperament. The World Cup-winning defender’s current contract is due to run out next summer.

That said, the 20-time English league champions hold an option to extend his stay by a further year and, according to The Sun, the Old Trafford club intend to activate that clause.

25/26 season stats

The Argentine can begin talks with overseas clubs after January and could potentially sign a pre-contract agreement, so United are planning to extend his deal this year to prevent that situation.

“Expect United to trigger the one-year extension in Lisandro Martinez’s contract at some stage over the next four months.

“Martinez has entered the final year of his deal but the plus-one option means his contract has a final expiry date of 2028.

“Club figures expect the inevitable, hopefully with a better method of communication than some former United players experienced.

“United are unlikely to just let go of Martinez, 28, but they have to decide on whether to keep or sell before next summer’s transfer window.”

Lisandro Martinez has found things difficult since returning from the World Cup and was at fault for goals scored by AC Milan in pre-season and by Ipswich Town last week.

The hope will be that the left-footed centre-back can rediscover his best form and show his value this season, while also earning a longer future at the Theatre of Dreams.