Manchester United have had defensive concerns so far this season after the club decided against bolstering the backline in the summer transfer window.

Michael Carrick's preferred defensive partnership remains Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, while Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro offer support. Matthijs de Ligt recently returned from injury and will be hoping to push his way into the starting team.

Martinez, 28, is key for Carrick's plans for United with the ball. His ability to find passes between the lines or to runners in behind the opposition backline is better than most other defenders in the game.

However, the Argentine can be caught out defensively and fans have had doubts over his level since his first long-term injury at the end of his debut campaign.

Martinez's future at Old Trafford is not certain right now, with his contract running out at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.

New updates from Fabrizio Romano have clarified United's stance on the situation, with the club being calm with Martinez's contract situation, partly due to the fact they have the option to extend his deal by a further year.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist explained: “Man United have a clause to extend the contract until 2028. So they feel calm. They feel in control.

"He’s 28. So at the peak of his experience, he had some bad luck with injuries over the recent years, but Man United still believe in Lisandro as a leader, as a top defender.

"At the moment, the situation is under control. The conversations will take place for sure in the next few months. At the moment, this is not in advanced negotiations with any other side. So I would say that this one is considered under control.”

Given Heaven and Yoro's age and experience, and with Maguire approaching 34, keeping Martinez for at least one more year is pivotal for United.

Martinez's passing ability is almost unmatched amongst central defenders, and that helps Carrick, who wants his team to progress through the midfield and play quick combination football.

But United's need for a defensive rebuild is obvious and there should be at least two central defensive signings next summer. 

United will activate his one-year extension, but in order to get a new long-term contract at Old Trafford, Martinez must impress over the next two seasons.

The Reds should no longer give out these contracts to any players, and should be able to know when to cut their losses. Martinez must improve defensively and prove his fitness, otherwise his on-ball ability will not be enough to keep himself at the club.