Lisandro Martinez: United ace’s stance on Newell’s Old Boys return | OneFootball

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.

Martinez’s situation has led to questions regarding his future, especially since he will enter the final year of his contract this summer. The Argentine has now shed light on his future plans.

Martinez wants future Newells return

Speaking recently, as cited by La Capital, Martinez expressed regret about not playing longer for his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys. He said: “With Newell’s, I was left with a nagging feeling that I could have kept playing there because I made my first-team debut there and then never did again…”

The Argentine went on to express a desire to return to Rosario, adding: “In football, you can’t say ‘I’m going to go back here or there’; all sorts of things can happen. I’d like to go back, but whatever happens, happens.”

Martinez rose through the ranks at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa and broke into the senior side in 2017. He was sent out on loan to Defensa y Justicia the same year before joining the Buenos Aires club permanently in 2018 and moving to Ajax the following year.

Final Thoughts

While Martinez’s abilities make him an asset for United, the player’s injury troubles remain a concern. However, a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that the Red Devils are not considering his departure this summer.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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