Man United 'hatch Lisandro Martinez transfer replacement plan' as Liverpool green light needed

Manchester United are reportedly growing increasingly concerned over the long-term fitness of injured star Lisandro Martinez, fearing he may need to be replaced. However, it is said that their hopes of enticing Dutch prodigy Givairo Read to Old Trafford could be thwarted by rivals Liverpool.

Martinez has undergone surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee, potentially side-lining him for up to a year. It marks the second career-threatening injury for the Argentine World Cup winner since his £55.3million move from Ajax to United in 2022.

The centre-back has missed 50 games due to injury since then. It means that Reds boss Ruben Amorim will have to proceed with his restructuring plans without Martinez, and there are reportedly concerns that the 27-year-old may not return to his previous form even after extensive rehabilitation.

Our colleagues at The Mirror report that United are considering signing a new defender in the summer and have been monitoring Feyenoord's emerging right-back Read. However, it is claimed that Read has expressed a preference for Liverpool as his club of choice should he make a move to the Premier League.

He is also reported to have previously said, “Liverpool, for sure! Nothing else, no one else," when asked who his favourite team was between United and Manchester City. The 18-year-old has made 22 appearances across all competitions for Feyenoord so far this season and made his debut for the Dutch club's first-team under now Liverpool boss Arne Slot last term.

It is currently unclear whether United will be in the market for another centre-back this summer, having signed three during the past 12 months. Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven have all arrived at Old