Ruben Amorim has received a defensive boost at Manchester United just in time for his first match in charge against Ipswich.
Manchester United’s newly appointed manager, Ruben Amorim, is set to benefit from the availability of Lisandro Martinez for his debut match against Ipswich Town on November 24. Martinez, a vital component of United’s defense, managed to avoid suspension despite accumulating four yellow cards this season.
Premier League rules dictate that players receive a one-match ban after collecting five yellow cards within their team’s first 19 matches. Martinez has been booked in games against Liverpool, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea, where a late tackle on Cole Palmer earned him his fourth caution. VAR reviewed the incident but upheld the decision to issue only a yellow card.
Since joining Manchester United from Ajax in 2022, Martinez has been a cornerstone of the team’s defense. This season, he has started 10 of their 11 league games, a significant improvement from the injury-riddled 2023/24 campaign that limited him to just 11 appearances. Amorim is expected to implement a 3-4-3 formation, likely deploying Martinez on the left side of the back three to take full advantage of his defensive prowess and left-footed passing range.
The upcoming fixture against Ipswich arrives amid uncertainty in United’s defensive lineup. Both Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire remain doubtful, leaving Amorim with options such as Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof to partner Martinez. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is also on the verge of suspension with four yellow cards, adding another layer of complexity to Amorim’s team selection.
Martinez’s availability provides a critical boost for Amorim as he prepares for his first match, offering much-needed stability to United’s defense and enhancing the team’s chances of starting this new chapter on a strong note.
