‼️🔴 SHOULD MANCHESTER UNITED TAKE LISANDRO MARTÍNEZ OFF AROUND THE 75TH–80TH MINUTE?
Lisandro Martínez is undoubtedly a very good defender and one of the most important players in Manchester United’s defence when he is at his best.
However, I think there is a growing issue that deserves attention: Martínez appears to lose some of his sharpness as games enter the final stages.
Against Ipswich, he made a late mistake after being dispossessed inside Manchester United’s own penalty area — a situation that could have proved extremely costly.
Then, against Everton, he failed to clear the ball, with the mistake helping to start the move that eventually led to George’s equaliser.
These individual moments don’t suddenly make Martínez a bad defender. Far from it.
But they do raise an interesting question about whether Manchester United should manage his minutes differently.
🔴 Martínez Looks Exhausted Late In Games
One thing I’ve noticed is that Martínez can look increasingly tired as matches approach the final 15 minutes.
When that happens, his decision-making can become less sharp, particularly when United are under pressure and opponents are aggressively pressing.
And when you’re a centre-back playing close to your own penalty area, one small mistake can completely change a game.
That’s why I would seriously consider bringing on Ayden Heaven around the 75th–80th minute when Martínez is visibly struggling.
🛡️ Heaven Could Provide Fresh Legs
Ayden Heaven has the physicality and composure to provide fresh energy in the heart of the defence.
If United are leading, replacing a tiring Martínez with a fresh centre-back could help the team defend the final stages more effectively.
It would also give Heaven valuable experience in competitive situations while allowing Martínez to avoid unnecessarily pushing himself when his performance level is beginning to drop.
⚠️ But It Shouldn’t Be Automatic
Of course, I wouldn’t substitute Martínez simply because the clock reaches 75 minutes.
If he’s having an excellent game, looks physically strong and United need his experience, there would be little reason to take him off.
The decision should be based on his physical condition, the scoreline and the flow of the match.
But if United are comfortably ahead and Martínez is clearly exhausted?
Why not protect the player and the result?
Martínez remains an excellent defender, but Manchester United need to be smarter about managing their players.
If the same pattern continues, giving Ayden Heaven the final 10–15 minutes could become a very useful tactical option.
🔴 Would you take Martínez off around the 75th–80th minute and bring on Ayden Heaven?
Yes or No, United fans?