United have the perfect solution to Lisandro Martinez problem, has been seen just once this season

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There was a collective gasp when Lisandro Martinez seemed to buckle under the pressure of Vladimir Coufal’s weight on his knee.

Manchester United fans everywhere were wincing in pain, seemingly mimicking Lisandro Martinez’s pain, as they looked set to lose their most important defender to his second long-term injury of the season.

How the knee was planted also provided cause for concern as a potential cruciate ligament problem could well see him out for the rest of 2024.

This is, thankfully, not the case, however, with the Argentine targeting a return to the first team after the March international break, in what is a huge boost for the Red Devils.

However, for the time being at least, United will have to look for other options and there is one that they should be revisiting.

United’s replacement for Martinez

One replacement option for Erik ten Hag is one that he frequented for some of the club’s biggest games of the season, including the 2-1 victory over Manchester City in January.

Luke Shaw has recently made his return to the United first-team and has proved to be a key component in the Red Devils defence but the Englishman could well be the ideal Martinez replacement.

Shaw and Raphael Varane played together for the Red Devils during the majority of last season and were a key pairing as United got to the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League.

Harry Maguire has had something of a renaissance for the Red Devils and he could well be a brilliant replacement for the Argentine but sticking to the tried and tested method of last season could well be the way forward for the Red Devils.

The last time Shaw and Varane started together was actually in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Shaw was one of the best Red Devils players to perform that day. With Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and Diogo Dalot at left-back, this could work well for the time being.

Shaw and Varane

Speaking on Shaw’s versatility, Ten Hag said: “I think he did fabulous and was impressive. But we also know he’s really good as a full-back. It’s an extra option and that’s always good for the team.”

“I thought it was the best match with Rapha [Raphael Varane] and Shaw [in the game against Wolves last season].”

Shaw provides the progressive passes that Martinez offers as well as the passing angles that a left-footed defender can offer and he could be the ideal short-term replacement for the former Ajax defender.