Erik ten Hag did not need to do much research to identify Manchester United's need for defensive reinforcements this summer. In the five matches played after it was officially announced he would take charge of the club at the end of the season, they conceded nine goals, four of which came away to Brighton.
The Dutchman was even in attendance for the defeat by Crystal Palace on the final day of the campaign as United conceded their 57th goal of the Premier League season, marking their worst defensive record in a single top-flight season since 1979.
Strengthening in midfield was identified as United's biggest priority this summer, and there is a hope that the planned arrival of Frenkie de Jong will strengthen the squad so much that there will be less reliance on their centre-backs next season.
READ MORE: United make £37m offer for Lisandro Martinez
United's dire defensive record is not just about their actual defenders, but as much about a lack of protection from the midfield and forwards who do not do their fair share of pressing when out of possession.
With tactical tweaks, Ten Hag might well be able to make a marked improvement before spending any money, though he is still keen to recruit a left-footed defender who can bring balance to the backline and help unlock their potential as a team that builds from the back.
It is no surprise then to see United's interest in Lisandro Martinez, with United having placed a £37m bid for the Ajax defender over the weekend.
Given United spent £122m on Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane there is an appreciation that any new defensive recruit might not go straight into the starting line-up. Instead, United are looking to bolster their ranks with a worthy back-up who has the potential to solidify a regular role in the years ahead.
But any move for Martinez would come with obvious consequences, most notably for the three fringe centre-backs who are viewed as surplus to requirements this summer.
United already have an abundance of central defensive players at their disposal, and they are open to selling Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe if any appropriate offers come in.
Club sources initially expected a sale at centre-back would trigger a move for a replacement, mindful of United's struggle to sell players in recent years, but the club has been spurred into a move for Martinez by Arsenal's interest in the Argentine.
It means United might have to add to their defensive pool before they can cut anyone from it, and the arrival of a 24-year-old who has longevity on his side can only be further bad news for the experienced Bailly and Jones. It is also bad news for Tuanzebe, who is the same age as Martinez, given the club would rather buy another defender than give him a chance.
Even with a packed fixture schedule next season, United have no need for more than five senior centre-backs, meaning two of the aforementioned trio should be allowed to leave permanently this summer.
There is even an argument to suggest that all three should be sold given that they could fill the fifth-choice role by promoting a youngster like Teden Mengi or Di'Shon Bernard, with Victor Lindelof and Martinez used as the back-ups.
Whatever happens, United's very interest in signing Martinez proves that Ten Hag is not convinced by those reserves already at the club and, therefore, they need to be cashed in on while they still retain market value.
It will take more than just a new defender to fix their porous defence, but it would certainly help.
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