This sudden Martinez injury has forced us to make a last minute bid for this UCL winner from Barcelona. I think he’s the perfect man to replace him” – This is according to Ruben Amorim as Manchester United are forced to trigger a £12.5m emergency transfer following Martinez’s ‘severe’ injury setback.

Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their efforts to acquire Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen before the transfer window closes, as they work to address their defensive vulnerabilities following Lisandro Martinez’s recent injury setback. The Argentine centre-back was forced off the field during United’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday, further deepening the club’s issues in a season already marked by inconsistency and poor performances.

The Red Devils’ defeat to Palace was their 11th loss in just 24 Premier League matches this season, a stat that highlights the turmoil currently affecting Erik ten Hag’s team. The result saw United fall to a concerning 13th place in the standings, now 12 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, who hold the final Champions League qualification spot. Alarmingly, United are also just 12 points ahead of the relegation zone, underscoring how far they have fallen from their once-dominant position in English football.

While their inconsistent performances have been a major topic of discussion, their defensive weaknesses have been especially glaring. Martinez’s injury now adds to an already significant list of setbacks for United, with the Argentine having missed a considerable portion of the season due to previous fitness issues. His latest injury is expected to keep him out for an extended period, prompting the club to reconsider their transfer strategy as the window nears its close.

United manager Ruben Amorim, speaking to Sky Sports after the match, confirmed the seriousness of Martinez’s injury, expressing concern over its impact on the team. “We will assess the situation in the coming days, but it appears to be a serious concern,” Amorim said. “He is not only an outstanding player but also a crucial presence in the dressing room.”

The Portuguese manager also acknowledged the emotional impact this injury has had on the squad, emphasizing Martinez’s influence both on and off the field. “This is a tough moment for us, but our focus now is on supporting Licha, just as he supports us every day,” he added. “As a player, you can sense when an injury is severe. We are hoping for positive news, but regardless of the outcome, we will stand by him through this challenging period.”

In light of their defensive crisis, reports indicate that United have fast-tracked their pursuit of Andreas Christensen, considering the Danish defender as an ideal reinforcement to strengthen the backline. Christensen, who transferred from Chelsea to Barcelona in 2022, has been a dependable figure in the Catalan club’s defense. However, with Barcelona facing ongoing financial challenges, United might see an opportunity to secure his services before the transfer window closes.

Signing a player like Christensen, who brings valuable experience and defensive stability, could provide a vital lift to United’s struggling campaign. The 27-year-old has demonstrated his ability at the highest level, offering the composure and tactical understanding necessary to shore up United’s porous defense. With pressure mounting on Amorim to salvage the season, a move for Christensen could prove a key step in turning the team’s fortunes around.

As the transfer deadline approaches, United fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on both Martinez’s injury and the club’s pursuit of Christensen. With their season hanging in the balance, the Red Devils have little margin for error, and securing a defensive reinforcement could be crucial in determining whether they can save their campaign or fall deeper into crisis.