- Manchester United ‘considering’ Micky van de Ven
- Availability will depend on Spurs’ fate
- Martinez’s place at Old Trafford could be under threat
Just like the past few summers, Manchester United‘s budget in the upcoming transfer window will be tightly managed.
INEOS have cracked down on operating costs, streamlining structures behind the scenes and smarter plays in the transfer market.
However, the latest financial results released in February showed a profit (£32.6m) for the first half of the fiscal year. These figures did not take into account the upturn in form under Michael Carrick. The main financial benefit of this will be revenue coming in from the Champions League football next season.
Ultimately, it means that the club can potentially recruit in non-priorities areas away from midfield – such as at centre-back. Whilst it does mean that the club will extravagantly splash out, it may mean that if the right players become available, United can afford to realistically move for them.
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United Retain Interest in Van De Ven
In April, it was reported by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell that Manchester United were ‘considering’ a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.
Regardless on Spurs’ Premier League fate, it is widely expected that the Dutchman will leave North London at the end of the season.
Speaking via Stretford Paddock, Whitwell has now provided an update on United’s interest in the defender. The player was proposed to him as someone the club are actively monitoring. This time, he added that Tottenham staying up or being relegated could be a major factor. The asking price would likely be significantly lower if they are playing in the Championship next season.
Reports suggest that the Tottenham star earns around £50,000 a week, making him one of the lowest earners among the Premier League’s traditional top clubs. His massive influence on the pitch does not reflect his current wage, meaning any interested party could easily incentivise the player with a salary that matches his talents.
Whitwell also touched upon how a move for van de Ven might affect existing squad members at Old Trafford. It raises questions about whether United will actually boost the defence.
Martinez’s Place Possibly in Danger
Whitwell’s co-host on the Talk of the Devils podcast, Andy Mitten, consistently mentions the need for Lisandro Martinez to improve his availability. In previous episodes, he has reiterated that a player’s value to a club is tied to their presence on the pitch.
The Argentinian has struggled to provide this over the past 18 months. He suffered an ACL injury last season that ruled him out for 292 days in total. He later sustained a separate calf injury earlier this season. Although he was sidelined for 45 days, he only missed five matches due to United’s relatively light schedule in 2025/26.
If his injury record continues to persist, he will definitely miss a lot more games for United next season. That is a substantial reason for United’s hierarchy to be looking elsewhere in the market for a senior centre-back. It would spell trouble for the 28-year-old. This is because his unique selling point in the squad is as an aggressive left-footed defender.
Van de Ven ticks the boxes in the same way, albeit at a younger age. Therefore, if United make a move for him, then there would likely only be room for one of the same profile in the squad.
READ MORE: Manchester United now eyeing another left footed defender alongside Van de Ven
