Lisandro Martinez sends message to Erik ten Hag amid Manchester United midfield crisis

Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has refused to rule out the prospect of stepping into midfield amid Casemiro's upcoming suspension.

The latter, who manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed will feature in Thursday night's Europa League last-16 second-leg clash with Real Betis despite being at risk of another ban, was sent off during the first half of Sunday's goalless draw with Southampton at Old Trafford. It marked his second red card of the season and he must now serve a four-game domestic ban, starting against Fulham in the FA Cup on Sunday.

United are already light in midfield because of long-term injuries to both Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen, meaning there has been talk of whether Ten Hag could convert Martinez into a makeshift defensive midfielder and fill in for Casemiro. The Argentine has played in the role previously under Ten Hag during their time together at Ajax.

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Although the United boss is unlikely to disrupt Martinez's blossoming centre-back partnership with Raphael Varane, the Argentina international has refused to close the door on ever operating as a midfielder for the Reds.

"We have many good midfielders and like I have always said in many interviews, I will play wherever the coach wants to use me," said Martinez, speaking in Wednesday evening's pre-match press conference in Spain. "I will always be available."

Taking a 4-1 lead into Thursday night's second leg, United are strong favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition and maintain their hopes of winning three cup competitions this season. They have already scooped the Carabao Cup and are, of course, still alive and kicking in the FA Cup.

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