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\t\t\t49<\/i><\/p>\n
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is currently serving a three-match suspension after receiving a controversial red card against Leeds United earlier this month. The Red Devils ultimately lost the game 2-1.<\/p>\n
Michael Carrick subsequently had a selection dilemma against Chelsea, with Harry Maguire also suspended for the game and Leny Yoro ruled out due to a late injury. The Englishman, however, deployed Noussair Mazraoui alongside Ayden Heaven at centre-back, and came away from Stamford Bridge with a hard-fought 1-0 win.<\/p>\n
United have since extended their winning run, picking up all three points at home against Brentford. The Red Devils are third in the Premier League table after 34 games, and next face bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford this weekend. <\/p>\n
A win could all but confirm United\u2019s participation in next season\u2019s Champions League, but Carrick\u2019s side will have to do it without Martinez, who remains suspended. The Argentine has been integral to the team\u2019s success when fit, but has also suffered with injury problems since his arrival at the Theatre of Dreams.<\/p>\n
Martinez followed Erik ten Hag to United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 and soon cemented his place in the starting XI. Unfortunately, the player suffered a metatarsal fracture towards the end of the season, missing 14 games for club and country.<\/p>\n
Since then, the Argentine has struggled with injuries that have kept him out for varying periods of time. However, Martinez has also impressed with his ball-playing ability, courage, and defensive acumen when fit, making him a key member of the starting XI.<\/p>\n
Following Ten Hag\u2019s departure in November 2024, the 28 year old slotted seamlessly into Ruben Amorim\u2019s 3-4-3 system. Just as he was proving to be a vital cog for the Portuguese head coach, however, Martinez ruptured his ACL and spent almost 10 months on the treatment table. <\/p>\n
| Season<\/th>\n | Injury Type<\/th>\n | Start Date<\/th>\n | End Date<\/th>\n | Duration<\/th>\n | Team<\/th>\n | Matches Missed<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25\/26<\/td>\n | Calf injury<\/td>\n | 23\/02\/2026<\/td>\n | 08\/04\/2026<\/td>\n | 45 days<\/td>\n | Manchester United<\/td>\n | 5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 24\/25<\/td>\n | Cruciate ligament injury<\/td>\n | 03\/02\/2025<\/td>\n | 21\/11\/2025<\/td>\n | 292 days<\/td>\n | Manchester United<\/td>\n | 35<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 24\/25<\/td>\n | Back problems<\/td>\n | 23\/11\/2024<\/td>\n | 25\/11\/2024<\/td>\n | 3 days<\/td>\n | Manchester United<\/td>\n | 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 23\/24<\/td>\n | Calf strain<\/td>\n | 02\/04\/2024<\/td>\n | 01\/05\/2024<\/td>\n | 30 days<\/td>\n | Manchester United<\/td>\n | 6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 23\/24<\/td>\n | Knee injury<\/td>\n | 04\/02\/2024<\/td>\n | 29\/03\/2024<\/td>\n | 55 days<\/td>\n | Manchester United \/ Argentina<\/td>\n | 9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 23\/24<\/td>\n | Foot injury<\/td>\n | 21\/09\/2023<\/td>\n | 04\/01\/2024<\/td>\n | 106 days<\/td>\n | Manchester United \/ Argentina<\/td>\n | 26<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 22\/23<\/td>\n | Metatarsal fracture<\/td>\n | 14\/04\/2023<\/td>\n | 30\/06\/2023<\/td>\n | 78 days<\/td>\n | Manchester United \/ Argentina<\/td>\n | 14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Martinez was vital to the team\u2019s resurgence under caretaker manager Carrick before he picked up a calf injury in February that kept him out for five games. He returned to action against Leeds United, but was involved in a hair-pulling incident that saw him receive his marching orders. <\/p>\n The Argentine\u2019s contract expires at the end of next season, further adding to speculation regarding his future. An update on the situation has now emerged. <\/p>\n According to Football Insider, United are not considering Martinez\u2019s departure this summer. The report states: \u201cManchester United are determined to keep hold of centre-back Lisandro Martinez this summer despite him nearing the end of his contract, sources have told Football Insider.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe 28-year-old has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona in recent months, but sources have indicated that United are ready to resist any moves for him this summer and are not willing to entertain offers.\u201d<\/p>\n The report adds that United are already planning for the summer but have no desire to offload one of the key pieces of their backline. <\/p>\n Martinez is a fan favourite for his passion, aggressive defending, and ability to play from the back. However, the Butcher\u2019s fitness remains a concern and with Matthijs de Ligt also struggling with a back injury, United could be tempted to consider reinforcements this summer. <\/p>\n Lisandro Martinez\u2019s game by numbers vs. Leeds United:<\/p>\n 100% aerial duels won So good to have him back. \ud83d\udc4f pic.twitter.com\/7e9DVZN2yR<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images<\/em><\/p>\n The Peoples Person has been one of the world\u2019s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div>\n |