Lisandro Martinez can save Man United career in surprise new role - expert

Scout Bryan King suggests Carrick could deploy Martinez in midfield to revive his struggling Man United career.

Lisandro Martinez has endured a difficult start to the season at Manchester United, including a red card in last week's loss at Chelsea. With just one year left on his contract and Spanish clubs reportedly interested, his future at Old Trafford appears uncertain.

Former scout Bryan King has suggested that manager Michael Carrick could help salvage Martinez's United career by deploying him in a holding midfield role rather than centre-back. King told Football Insider that Martinez's height and defensive vulnerabilities make him unsuitable as a central defender, but his ball-playing ability and physical attributes could suit midfield. Martinez briefly played midfield during his first season at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, though the manager has not repeated that approach at United.

Carrick has continued to back the Argentina international, bringing him on as a substitute in Tuesday's Champions League comeback win over Roma. With Villa visiting Old Trafford on Sunday, there appears little to lose in experimenting with a new role for the 28-year-old.