Manchester United have accepted that Lisandro Martinez was right to criticise their summer transfer business, and are now drawing up plans to strengthen their defence next summer, with Bournemouth left-back Adrien Truffert on their shortlist.
United have conceded 15 goals in their first seven games of the season, and manager Michael Carrick has been forced to deal with several injury problems in his backline. The club's failure to sign a defender in the summer has been exposed, with Luke Shaw's injury forcing Ayden Heaven and Diogo Dalot to play out of position.
Martinez criticism accepted
Last week, Martinez accused United of not doing enough to bolster Carrick's squad on their return to the Champions League, and his decision to call out director of football Jason Wilcox divided opinion. While some argued the Argentine should not have spoken out, most agreed his comments had merit.
Senior figures at Old Trafford now recognise they should have addressed their defence in the summer, according to The i Paper. United were keen on Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, but the England international was out of their price range.
Truffert on the shortlist
Truffert, 24, is now on United's shortlist, with the club said to be long-time admirers of the Frenchman. He is enjoying his second season at Bournemouth after the Cherries paid Rennes £14.4m to sign him in June 2025.
Centre-back is also a position United will focus on, with Martinez and Harry Maguire in the final year of their deals. The report states they will sign at least one central defender and could target a second if Martinez leaves amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
Defensive injury crisis
Matthijs de Ligt was brought in as United's marquee centre-back two years ago, but a back injury has kept the 27-year-old out of action for 12 months. His first start since last October could come against Como, with Daniel Armer the only other recognised centre-back spotted in training before United flew to Italy on Tuesday. Shaw is among eight players set to miss Wednesday's trip to Como.
