Lisandro Martinez is back from suspension this week. But let’s be honest, it’s been a nightmare season for the Manchester United centre back.
When United went to Ireland for a training camp last month, something felt different. The intensity was up at the Carton House complex. Players flying into tackles. Standards rising.
The reason? Martinez was back on the grass.
The Argentine had missed nearly two months with a calf injury. But the moment he returned to training, the whole dynamic shifted. That’s what he does. He’s a tone setter.
Carrington insiders have said it for years when Martinez is available, everyone else raises their game. He brings aggression, competitiveness and a willingness to call out teammates who aren’t pulling their weight.
The problem? He’s rarely available.
The red card that summed it all up
Nothing captured Martinez’s struggle to build momentum quite like that red card against Leeds.
Back from injury. First game in forever. Then he pulls Dominic Calvert Lewin’s hair. Just a little tug. But enough.
Three match ban. Played once since February 10.
To rub salt in the wound, similar incidents went unpunished elsewhere in the Premier League the very next week. United appealed. The FA said no.
So Martinez has watched from the sidelines. Again.
Injury prone or just unlucky?
Let’s look at the numbers.
Premier League starts this season: 10 (before this weekend). Last season: 20. Year before: eight. First season at Old Trafford: 24.
That’s not a run. That’s a stop start carousel.
A metatarsal fracture kept him out for chunks of 2023. Then a cruciate knee ligament problem sidelined him for nine months in 2025. Serious injuries, not niggles.
Some at United reckon it comes with the territory. Martinez is an aggressive, front foot defender who commits wholeheartedly. Take that away, and he’s not the same player.
But how much longer can United afford to have their best paid defenders stuck in the treatment room?
What Martinez thinks
A source close to the player said the injuries have come at the worst possible times when he was playing well and felt important.
But he also feels mentally stronger because of it. Becoming a dad for the first time in March 2025, right in the middle of that knee rehab gave him perspective.
“He believes he has come out of his knee injury stronger and fitter than ever before,” the source said.
Now he’s determined to make up for lost time.
The contract situation
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Martinez will soon be into the final year of his contract. United have an option to extend by another 12 months. Activating that is the likely move for now.
Under Ineos, the club want their highest earners on the pitch. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed that both Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, two centre backs in their prime have spent most of this season crocked.
United are monitoring the centre back market. Harry Maguire got a one year extension, but that doesn’t stop them looking.
And then there’s Micky van de Ven.
The Tottenham link that won’t go away
United have been linked with the Dutch left footer at Spurs. He’s quick, composed and plays on the same side as Martinez.
There’s a feeling, though, that Van de Ven is more likely to end up at Liverpool. Still, the fact United are even in that conversation tells you something.
They’re planning for a future that might not include Martinez as the automatic starter.
What Martinez wants
Despite all the noise, the Argentine is comfortable with his contract situation. He’s focused on finishing the season strongly, not what comes next.
He’s told people how much he loves playing for United. He sees his future at Old Trafford.
But love doesn’t keep you on the pitch. And United need players who can actually play.
The bottom line
Suspension served. Injury hopefully behind him. Martinez is in line to start against Sunderland this weekend.
He can still be the tone setter. The aggressive, front foot warrior who makes everyone around him better.
But the clock is ticking. United are watching. Van de Ven’s name keeps coming up.
Martinez has a few months to prove he’s still the answer, not just a brilliant player who’s never available.
