Man Utd insiders 'claim' Erik ten Hag will use star player in two shock new positions next season

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be about to play one of his players in two surprise new positions, reports say.

United have been brought in two new signings so far this summer, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro arriving from Bologna and Lille respectively.

The Red Devils are also keen on Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and have been linked with a sensational swap deal for Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries.

But a fresh report claims that a current first-team star may well be asked to play two different roles in the upcoming campaign.

According to journalist Steve Bates, writing in a column for GiveMeSport, Lisandro Martinez could be forced to demonstrate his versatility.

The signing of 18-year-old defender Yoro is seen as a major coup and he is seen as the perfect partner for Martinez.

However, Bates claims that those behind the scenes at United feel as though he fill in at left-back and defensive midfield on occasion.

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With Victor Lindelof potentially on the move, United are still looking for another centre-back - with it being well-documented that Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite are top targets.

Argentina international Martinez can play in multiple positions and that could be of great benefit to the team next season, providing he can get over his injury issues.

United were plagued by problems at left-back last term, with Tyrell Malacia out for the whole season and Luke Shaw struggling for fitness.

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They are not expected to sign Sofyan Amrabat permanently following his loan spell last season, with Martinez capable of deputising in defensive midfield and giving Kobbie Mainoo licence to play further forward.

United finished in lowly eighth last season but an FA Cup final win over Manchester City was enough for Ten Hag to remain at the helm.

Despite a new structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ten Hag is not believed to be under pressure to finish in the top four.

Instead, the priority for the top brass is the "considerable progression of the team".