United were beaten by Newcastle on Saturday, in what was the club’s 10th defeat of the season.

To say the Red Devils were poor would be an understatement. Effort was clearly lacking from some players who didn’t seem too bothered about putting in a shift.

The Magpies ran rampant at St James’ Park and luckily for United, Eddie Howe’s men did not score as many goals as they could have.

According to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, there is a faction of stars within the team who are gradually growing “disillusioned” and tired of Ten Hag and his methods.

“Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is battling to keep key players onside following the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, sources have told ESPN.”

“A number of players remain behind Ten Hag and his staff, but there are concerns within the club that the mood inside the dressing room will dip even further unless there is an upturn in form soon. United face crucial games against Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Liverpool in the next two weeks.”

It’s understood that one of the players’ problems with Ten Hag is the Dutchman’s intense training sessions since the pre-season tour in the United States.

There is also some dissatisfaction with the manager’s “cavalier tactics” which have left the side open during games.

Dawson explains that so far, Ten Hag’s solution has been to “cool the atmosphere’ by publicly backing his players despite evident signs of their decline and poor displays.

United staff believe that some players do not respond well to being called out in public.

ESPN further state, “It was noteworthy, according to one source, that Lisandro Martínez, a staunch supporter of Ten Hag, has been back around the first team group despite being sidelined with injury.”

“One source has told ESPN that Ten Hag has missed the influence of Martinez and Casemiro in the dressing room while the pair have been injured. Casemiro is also expected to be out until after Christmas while he recovers from a hamstring problem.”

Unlike Casemiro, Martinez is not expected to make his return until next year.

The Argentine underwent surgery for a foot injury.

The Red Devils are set to take on Chelsea on Wednesday as they look to get back to winning ways.

The post Erik ten Hag misses Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez’s influence as section of players grow “disillusioned” appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge has not gone according to plan with the players letting the manager down while his own ideas are not working anymore.

Injuries have not helped matters with the defence struggling the most with the Red Devils conceding the second-most goals in the Champions League group stages, which has meant they are in danger of not qualifying for the knockout stage.

United have missed Lisandro

Lisandro Martinez’s absence has been most keenly felt with the club missing the aggressive presence of the Argentine and his ability to kickstart attacks from the back.

Luke Shaw was played as the centre-back against Newcastle and while he was one of the better performers on the night, he was not as aggressive as the World Cup winner.

The former Ajax star had suffered a recurrence of the same injury that had derailed his previous season and the defender had to undergo yet another operation.

He had made a return during pre-season but since he had not fully recovered, his form suffered as a result, and even though the defender took painkillers to try and play on, it eventually proved to be too much.

Martinez has been spotted back in Carrington, walking comfortably while kicking a football and watching his teammates during training.

But the United coaching team are wary of thrusting him back into action too soon and are prepared to wait until next year even to start playing the 25-year-old.

ETH wary of throwing Lisandro into the deep end too soon

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Ten Hag is aware that the injury was a serious one and that the club is not taking any risks this time concerning his recuperation.

“Lisandro Martínez’s injury is not a normal problem,” the Italian wrote in his CaughtOffside Substack column. “It’s a big setback for the club and so Man United staff are being very careful with the player.

“His recovery is going well and Lisandro is doing good, but he’s not ready yet and the club won’t force anything. They will keep waiting until Martínez feels 100 per cent ready to play football again.”

United fans will be hoping to get Martinez back fully fit so that the Argentina international can try and salvage the campaign to some extent at least.

The post Manchester United being very careful this time with Lisandro Martinez’s recovery process appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Their next test against Newcastle United will be a great marker to understand where Erik ten Hag’s team currently lie. The last time the two sides met this season was in the Carabao Cup where Eddie Howe’s team emerged 3-0 victors.

United had lost at St James’ Park last season and their preparations for the game was far from ideal as the team’s flight to Newcastle upon Tyne was cancelled at the last moment.

Shaw as LCB

As per Manchester World, the Dutch manager is contemplating making a tactical change ahead of tonight’s encounter with Luke Shaw set to start as centre-back.

Since his return from injury, the Englishman has played in the Everton and Galatasaray matches in his familiar left-back position.

Ten Hag has utilised this ploy in the past, especially in the absence of Lisandro Martinez, who suffered a season-ending injury last term.

The Argentine is currently sidelined and United have played Victor Lindelof in that position and while the Swede does possess fantastic vision, a left-footed defender naturally has more angles to pass to.

Ten Hag’s preference for a left-footed defender is also partly responsible for Raphael Varane‘s reduction in game time with Ten Hag reluctant to pair the both of them.

Ploy worked wonders last season

Shaw’s passing ability is certainly underrated and he can effectively help the side play out from the back against a rampant Magpies at home. This will mean either Diogo Dalot or Sergio Reguilon plays as the left-back.

“Erik ten Hag is considering deploying Luke Shaw at centre-back for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United, ManchesterWorld understands.

“With Martinez injured, Shaw is United’s only real left-footed option in that role and could line up alongside Maguire at the heart of defence against Newcastle, with Sergio Reguilon starting at left full-back.”

Last season, Shaw was excellent at the heart of defence and United fans will hope that the tactical shift ends up working as United prepare for the busy festive period.

The post Erik ten Hag to play Luke Shaw as centre-back against Newcastle United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The defence has been the worst hit with all four of the first-choice back four suffering long-term injuries at different points of the season which has forced Ten Hag to constantly reshuffle his pack.

Luke Shaw, out since the second game of the season, was spotted back in training but it is Lisandro Martinez who the team have missed the most with his precise passing and no-nonsense defending a hallmark of United’s great run last season.

Martinez spotted back in training

United have struggled to play out from the back in the Argentine’s absence while the defence has conceded a bucketload of goals, especially in the Champions League, which a fully-fit Martinez could certainly have prevented.

The World Cup winner was forced to undergo surgery for a metatarsal fracture he had suffered last season during the Europa League tie against Sevilla.

He returned in time for pre-season but he ended up aggravating the same injury at the start of the campaign, which led to his indifferent displays.

Lisandro Martinez watched his team-mates train at Carrington today, as he continues with the early stages of his recovery from a foot injury. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/9uEkvltJez

— United Update (@UnitedsUpdate) November 22, 2023

The 25-year-old went in for yet another surgery and was scheduled to be sidelined till the new year but in good news, the Argentina international was spotted watching his teammates training ahead of the game against Everton.

In a Sky Sports video, he was also seen walking comfortably on the grass along with a United coach and even kicked a ball around. He was all smiles in front of the camera.

Lisandro’s early return on the cards?

This potentially indicates that the former Ajax star has returned to individual training and an early return to action could be on the cards if everything goes according to plan.

Ten Hag prefers to have someone who is primarily left-footed to play on the left-hand side of the defence and in Martinez and Shaw’s absence, either Maguire, Lindelof or Evans have been played there but they have not excelled like the Argentine.

Despite his importance to the side, the United boss will be wary of throwing him into the deep end considering this was the second surgery he has had for the same problem in the space of a year.

Martinez has arguably been Ten Hag’s best signing so far and is a fan-favourite and he will need to hit top form once he comes back if he is to help United salvage the current campaign.

The post Lisandro Martinez all smiles as he walks on the grass while kicking a football appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Going into the break, the Red Devils’ injury list looked more like a team sheet missing only a goalkeeper, with 10 outfield players unavailable for selection.

However, by the time United kick off against Everton in their next match on November 26th, there is a chance that some of those names will be available for selection again.

This is, as we understand it, the likely return order for the walking wounded.

Everton, 26th November

Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the Luton game with illness and so should be back.

Amad Diallo could be available. He was last spotted around a week ago in individual training on the grass, which should put team training around now, and full fitness potentially in time for Everton. However, match fitness is another issue and while he could find himself on the bench at Goodison, he is more likely to be eased in with a guest appearance in the U18’s match at Southampton the day before.

Galatasaray, 29th November

Rasmus Hojlund’s thigh strain is thought to be mild and a November return has been mooted. It’s a race against time for the Gala game, with Everton likely to be too soon.

Newcastle United, 2nd December

Tyrell Malacia could just pip Luke Shaw to win the race of the recovering left backs and be available for this one as he returns after summer surgery.

Chelsea, 6th December

Luke Shaw’s return has been touted for the end of November but to our knowledge, there have been no sightings of him back in training yet. This puts him at least 2 weeks away and we think the Chelsea match is realistically the first real chance for the England man.

Liverpool, 17th December

Jonny Evans – a club statement on 10th November said Evans will be out for “a few weeks” with a thigh strain, so this could mean a mid-December return.

Christian Eriksen – on November 13th we were told Eriksen’s knee injury would keep him out for around a month, so a return against Liverpool also looks possible at this stage for the Dane.

Nottingham Forest, 30th December or FA Cup 3rd round, 7th January

Ten Hag has said that Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, United’s two longest term injuries, will not be back before Christmas. The turn of the year will hopefully see them back on the pitch.

Permanently out

Jadon Sancho is not injured but exiled following a row with Ten Hag and is expected to be sold or loaned out in January. Unless there is a major rapprochement, he is highly unlikely to play again for the club.

The post When Manchester United’s 10 absent stars are likely to return to action appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Martinez picked up a fracture back in April during United’s home clash against Sevilla in the Europa League.

He returned just in time for the club’s pre-season tour but the injury was aggravated in September’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.

The World Cup winner played through the pain barrier in subsequent games against Brighton and Bayern Munich before it became increasingly clear an intervention was the best option.

Martinez had to undergo surgery for the second time to fix his metatarsal injury.

In his absence, United have struggled defensively. Evidence of this was seen during the Red Devils’ most recent game against Newcastle at Old Trafford.

United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by the Magpies who capitalized on a string of high-profile mistakes at the back to inflict misery on Erik ten Hag’s men.

Courtesy of different injuries to other defenders, including Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sergio Reguilon, Ten Hag has not been able to field a consistent back four all term.

Martinez, who is currently in Argentina was present for a domestic match at his former club Defensa y Justicia on Wednesday.

He spoke to TNT Sports after the final whistle and was questioned about when he is likely to return to action.

The 25-year-old said, “I am in the process of recovery and happy to be here visiting the club.”

“It is the second time that an injury like this has happened to me. So, you have to be patient.”

The post Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez issues injury update amidst club’s defensive woes appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

In manager Erik ten Hag’s first season, United conceded the second-lowest number of goals among all 20 teams while currently, they have conceded the second-most among the top-12 sides in the league.

Add to this the seven they have conceded in two games of the Champions League and it is clear to see that improvements at the back need to be made as soon as possible.

United’s worsening defensive situation

The situation has been exacerbated by the injury and subsequent surgery on Lisandro Martinez and the Argentine is expected to miss at least three months.

The only way the club can spend money is by selling players and Harry Maguire was one centre-back the club was intent on selling during the summer.

His move to West Ham United broke down after the club failed to agree a pay-off amount with their former skipper. That forced the Red Devils to miss out on the likes of Kim Min-jae, Benjamin Pavard and Jean-Clair Todibo.

Football Insider have claimed that United are continuing their attempts to move Maguire on as soon as possible.

If it occurs in January, a new centre-back might arrive as early as the winter window as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

“There is a clear goal for the club. The idea is to bring in an important centre-back either in January or the summer.

Martinez injury, Maguire future linked to United’s CB search

“The timing will likely depend on Lisandro Martinez’s recovery but the crucial point to understand is if and when Harry Maguire will leave, as that will also determine what the club does and when in terms of centre-backs.”

The World Cup winner’s absence and the poor injury record of Raphael Varane will no doubt trouble the manager. The club are building a defensive shortlist of targets.

The likes of Goncalo Inacio, Antonio Silva, Giorgio Scalvini, Edmond Tapsoba are few of the names linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Whether the Glazers will sanction a costly purchase in January remains to be seen. The club did not back Ten Hag in his first season and instead chose to strengthen via the loan market last time around.

The post Two factors will determine whether Man United will sign a new centre-back in January appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Peoples Person covered a report which revealed that the defender was set to undergo an operation on a metatarsal fracture suffered last season.

The problem started when he picked up the injury during United’s Europa League game against Sevilla at Old Trafford.

It was after Martinez and his centre-back partner Raphael Varane came off that the Red Devils crumbled and allowed the Spanish giants to recover from two goals down very late into the game.

Martinez returned during pre-season.

However, it seems like the issue was aggravated as the World Cup winner didn’t really look like himself when the Premier League campaign started.

It was later revealed that he had been playing while not completely fit and required the assistance of painkillers to be able to get through matches.

During his presser ahead of the Galatasaray game on Tuesday, Ten Hag confirmed that Martinez was set to undergo surgery.

The Dutchman said, “I can confirm, yeah. Licha Martinez will undergo surgery and the team news is Antony can probably return.”

According to the reliable Gaston Edul, everything went successfully and the 25-year-old has started his recovery journey.

Martinez is expected to be sidelined for up to three months.

As per Edul, the United star is not expected to play for Argentina until the turn of the year.

Lisandro Martínez ya se volvió a operar. Salió bien. Ahora vuelve a recuperarse. No va a volver a jugar con la Selección Argentina este año. pic.twitter.com/nmde3H9G56

— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) October 2, 2023

At the moment, Ten Hag’s options at centre-back include Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.

Martinez’s prolonged lay-off adds to the team’s problems already brought about by a decimated defensive department caused by absences as a result of injuries to the likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sergio Reguilon.

The post Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez undergoes successful surgery appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United have lost two on the bounce in the Premier League and opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-4 defeat away to Bayern Munich.

Manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure to deliver results and injuries have played a major role in the recent losses.

Lisandro Martinez is set to have yet another foot surgery which the manager confirmed while he added that Antony could be in the reckoning but he has had only one proper training session so far.

Antony back, Lisandro out

The Brazilian had been accused of domestic violence and the club had announced he would remain away from the first-team till investigations get over.

“I can confirm, yeah. Licha Martinez will undergo surgery and the team news is Antony can probably return. Antony co-operated fully and it came out, he’s not charged, so.

“Antony will be in consideration but yesterday was his first time back in team training. We have a final training, then we’ll make a decision.”

A lot of criticism has been aimed at Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, talismans in the previous campaign. But they have underperformed, which has negatively affected the team.

“You have to deal with. Experienced players know how to deal with it and it’s not the first time we’re in this situation because that’s a career, it’s not only highlights, it’s a journey and that will have bumps.

“Now it’s about the character, what you have to show and how to get out. There are many positives but things we need to improve on.”

The England winger, in particular, seems to allow his head to drop far too easily but Ten Hag insisted that the players are experienced enough and need to show character to bounce back.

“The facts are he’s not scoring at this moment, but he’s had opportunities, like against Brighton, where he had five or six occasions in a good spot.

Can Rashford hit top form again?

“If he works hard and invests every day, with the right focus and if the team around him supplies and helps him with movement, then it will come and Rashford is a player who’s capable of scoring a goal in every game. When he’s coming in the right spots, he will score.”

The Dutch manager was asked about United’s stuttering start and the fact that the club seems to take one step forward and subsequently, two steps back.

Ten Hag insisted progress was being made but injuries have meant there has been no consistency and mostly disappointing results.

“I think I don’t agree with that [lack of progress]. The team is moving forward, but we have to make adjustments as well.

“When you don’t have a left-back [fit], we have to change and we did. At the end of the day, it’s about results and we didn’t get the result we were looking for, which is very disappointing.”

The post Erik ten Hag confirms Antony will be in consideration for Galatasaray encounter appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The pressure on manager Erik ten Hag is being ramped up by the British media and injuries to so many players at the back and poor form is not helping matters.

The defence has seen almost all of the manager’s preferred choices suffer long-term injuries with the most recent news of yet another surgery for Lisandro Martinez quite a big blow for the Dutchman.

Lindelof is once again regressing this season

Last season, when both Martinez and Raphael Varane were injured, Victor Lindelof stepped up admirably but this season he is already showing why he has been the subject of criticism in the past.

While technically good, the Swede struggles with the physical aspect of defending and he was bullied off the ball by Eagles forward Jean-Philippe Mateta on Saturday.

The 29-year-old’s United deal ends in 2024 with the Red Devils having the option to trigger a one-year extension in a bid to protect his value.

There have been talks of extending his deal in the past but his most recent performances have been far from good and Ten Hag still is not fully convinced.

There have already been reports of the club eyeing another centre-back either in January or next summer and that could see United move on certain defenders.

The former Benfica star was the subject of plenty of interest last summer and now as per Fichajes, Juventus are eyeing a move for the United man.

“Juventus is targeting Swedish defender Victor Lindelöf, whose contract with Manchester United will come to an end in the summer of 2024. He appears to be contemplating his future in search of staying at the highest competitive level.

Juventus are looking at Lindelof

“Ten Hag has asked the Manchester United board to incorporate a new central defender in the coming markets, which could open the door for Lindelöf to leave the English club.

“Lindelöf’s arrival would significantly bolster the team’s defensive depth, providing a solid rotation alongside players such as Federico Gatti, Daniele Rugani, and Bremer.”

He had arrived for €35 million in 2017 under Jose Mourinho and his current market value stands at €18 million as per Transfermarkt.

Harry Maguire is expected to be moved on next and Lindelof still has a chance to cement his long-term stay at the club if he performs to his potential during this difficult period.

The post Juventus looking at Victor Lindelof, whose contract ends in 2024 appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.