80-touch Man United star let Ruben Amorim down after being handed honour against Newcastle

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Ruben Amorim was forced to choose a new captain for Manchester United’s clash against Newcastle United.

After picking up a red card in the 2-0 defeat to Wolves, Bruno Fernandes was suspended for Newcastle United’s visit to Old Trafford on Monday evening.

Despite former captain Harry Maguire starting against the Magpies, Lisandro Martinez was named captain for the Premier League clash.

Martinez has struggled under Ruben Amorim despite being one of the better performers during Erik ten Hag’s reign.

The Argentine’s form has plummeted in recent weeks but Ruben Amorim put his faith in Martinez by handing him the captain’s armband.

Unfortunately, that faith was not repaid.

Lisandro Martinez struggled for Man United vs Newcastle

Ahead of Monday’s clash, Martinez was “angry” at United’s defending and urged his teammates to improve at set pieces.

United did manage to avoid conceding from another set piece, but Newcastle took the lead after just four minutes when Martinez was caught out by Alexander Isak’s close-range header.

Martinez was again in the spotlight for Newcastle’s second when Joelinton also scored with his head to double the visitors’ lead.

United fans slammed Martinez’s display on social media and a glance at his match stats paint a worrying picture.

Ruben Amorim must drop Lisandro Martinez vs Liverpool

Martinez’s form has been worrying for weeks now and he showed no signs of improvement against Newcastle.

Up next for United is a daunting trip to Anfield to face arch-rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side will be full of confidence following their 5-0 win over West Ham.

Gary Neville ripped into Martinez for his “wimpish” defending against Tottenham and Amorim cannot afford similar mistakes from his defence against Liverpool.

READ MORE: What Man United fans chanted to Ruben Amorim at half-time against Newcastle United speaks volumes

With Matthijs de Ligt now back from his illness, Amorim could partner the Dutchman with Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro against Liverpool in what would be a highly physical back three.

Martinez has been linked to Real Madrid, and after his recent run of games, Ineos may want to consider cashing in on the World Cup winner in 2025.