Lisandro Martinez: United ace’s stance on Newell’s Old Boys return
Lisandro Martinez: United ace’s stance on Newell’s Old Boys return Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has struggled with injuries this season, but he remains a key figure under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. The Argentine was brought to Old Trafford by former manager Erik ten Hag and has been a fine addition to the first team squad. Martinez was a first team regular under the Dutch manager and has retained that importance under his successors.
Ten Hag was replaced by Ruben Amorim in November 2024, with the Red Devils subsequently shifting to a 3-4-3 system. The Argentine made the left-sided centre-back position his own, with his exquisite abilities on the ball, his reading of the game, and his aggression making him indispensable to the side. After the Portuguese head coach was removed from his position in January, United reverted to a back four under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
Martinez played a vital role in United’s outstanding start under the Englishman, playing every minute of the first five games, picking up four wins and a draw. Unfortunately, he picked up a calf injury, and then picked up a straight red card upon his return in the 2-1 defeat against Leeds. Martinez’s injury record at United Martinez has been one of the league’s finest in his position when fit, but he has struggled with injury issues during his time at the Theatre of Dreams.
The 28 year old has missed 90 games for club and country with various knocks since joining United. Martinez ruptured his ACL in February last year and missed much of the first half of this season. He has registered just 17 appearances in all competitions this campaign, 12 of which have been starts.
Copy of Lisandro Martinez Stats: 2025/26 Season Source: Transfermarkt . With Matthijs de Ligt also sidelined since December with a back injury, the Argentine’s fitness issues have posed a problem of late. Carrick had to famously opt for an unorthodox centre-back pairing of Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven against Chelsea in April, but it is to the duo’s credit that they came away with a 1-0 win.