Manchester United’s newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim is set to have Lisandro Martinez available for his first match in charge against Ipswich Town on November 24. Martinez, who transferred from Ajax to Manchester United in July 2022, had been at risk of suspension after accumulating four yellow cards in Premier League play this season. League rules state that a player receives a one-match suspension if they pick up five yellow cards within their team’s first 19 league games. This means Martinez will avoid suspension if he maintains discipline in upcoming matches.
The defender’s latest yellow card came during United’s recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea, where he was cautioned for a late tackle on Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Referee Robert Jones issued the yellow card, which was upheld after a VAR review. This was Martinez’s fourth booking, adding to previous cautions he received earlier in the season against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace.
Martinez has been a regular starter for Manchester United, beginning in 10 of the team’s 11 Premier League matches this season. This already puts him close to surpassing his previous season’s appearance tally of 11 league games, which was limited due to injuries. His consistent presence in the squad has been important for United’s defense, and his availability against Ipswich could be crucial as Amorim looks to build a cohesive unit.
Amorim is expected to implement a 3-4-3 formation, positioning Martinez on the left side of a back three. Martinez’s left-footed ability and skill in handling the ball make him a strong fit for this role, potentially allowing him to contribute effectively to both defensive stability and ball progression from the back.
However, Manchester United has some uncertainties in defense as they prepare for the Ipswich game. Defenders Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire missed the team’s recent matches, and their availability remains uncertain. Martinez will likely be joined by other defenders, including Matthijs de Ligt, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof, as Amorim considers his options.
In the midfield, Kobbie Mainoo is also at risk of suspension, having received four yellow cards this season. Should Mainoo reach 10 yellow cards within United’s first 32 league games, he will face a two-match ban. This suspension rule applies only to Premier League matches, so yellow cards accumulated here will not impact Mainoo’s availability for other competitions, such as the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup.
Amorim’s debut as United’s head coach is highly anticipated, and Martinez’s availability is a welcome boost. The coach’s decision to use Martinez in a three-man defense aligns with the player’s technical strengths, and with Ipswich Town up next, United will be looking to establish a solid defensive foundation as they continue to adjust to their new manager’s approach.
