Manchester United’s defensive struggles this season have only worsened following the long-term injury to Lisandro Martinez.
Ruben Amorim’s start to life at Old Trafford has been far from ideal.
An injury crisis currently derailing any hopes of consistency in his first few months in charge.
Arguably the most significant blow came with Martinez’s season-ending anterior cruciate ligament tear.
One that will sideline him for around 10 months.
With the Argentine out for the remainder of the season and potentially the rest of the year, United have been forced to find solutions.
Leny Yoro has impressed in Martinez’s absence.
However, as a left-sided centre-back despite naturally being more comfortable on the right.
It seems inevitable they will enter the market for another left-footed centre-back in the summer.
Now, it has emerged that they had the chance to address this problem in January.
Manchester United were offered Valentin Gomez as Lisandro Martinez replacement
Since taking over football operations at Old Trafford, INEOS has shown a clear willingness to invest in South American talent.
The club signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno in Paraguay, while Argentine prospect Franco Mastantuono continues to be linked with a move to United.
Now, Velez Sarsfield president Fabian Berlanga has revealed that United had the chance to sign another promising Argentine talent in January.
Speaking to La Noticia Web, Berlanga confirmed that he attempted to offer 21-year-old defender Valentin Gomez to United after Martinez’s injury.
“It wasn’t a transfer, it was a termination.
“Once the player signs the payment commitment, he is free to do what he wants,” Berlanga said.
“Through someone I know, I asked Manchester United to find out if they wanted him because of Licha Martínez’s injury.
“It was divided between the CEO and the coach, and they said no.”
If this is correct, it suggests Omar Berrada and Ruben Amorim were at odds over whether to bring Gomez in as a short-term replacement.
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Gomez has long been regarded as a high-potential defender.
The Buenos Aires Herald previously described him as “one of the best and most promising young defenders in Argentine football.”
His statistical output backs up the praise.
The 21-year-old ranks highly in various defensive metrics in Argentina’s top flight.
However, it remains questionable whether he would have been the right solution for United’s current problems.
A move to the Premier League would represent a major step up.
As well as doubts over whether Gomez is at the required level yet.
It will be interesting to see who within United argued for his signing.
Of course, the ones who also decided against the signing too.
With Lisandro Martinez out long-term, finding the right defensive reinforcement will be a crucial task for INEOS in the summer transfer window.
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