Lisandro Martinez has done more than just recover from a career-threatening injury; he has fundamentally changed the narrative surrounding his future at Old Trafford. Once considered a candidate for the exit door, the Argentine is now proving why Manchester United cannot afford to let him go.
Only a few months ago, the outlook for “The Butcher” was bleak. Following a devastating ACL injury in February 2025 and a history of metatarsal issues, many feared the 28-year-old’s best days were behind him. With his contract set to expire in 2027, a summer sale felt not just possible, but inevitable.
Overcoming the Amorim and Shaw Challenge
Martinez’s road back wasn’t just physical it was tactical. Under Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, Luke Shaw excelled as a left-sided centre-back, leaving no room for the returning Argentine. However, Martinez’s persistence paid off.
A dip in Leny Yoro’s form opened a door on Boxing Day, and Martinez hasn’t looked back since. Now, with Michael Carrick reverting to a traditional back four, Martinez has formed a formidable partnership with Harry Maguire, allowing Shaw to return to his natural left-back role.
Silencing the Critics: From Scholes to Haaland
Martinez has never been one to shy away from a challenge, on or off the pitch. After facing public criticism from United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, the defender responded by pocketing Erling Haaland in a masterclass performance that reminded the world of his elite reading of the game.
His statistics since returning to the starting XI speak for themselves:
- Unbeaten Run: Key to United’s current five-game streak.
- Consistency: 90 minutes played in every Premier League game since Boxing Day.
- Leadership: Filling the void left by Casemiro’s departure.
A Strategic Necessity for INEOS
As Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS team look to rebuild, losing too much experience at once could be fatal. With Casemiro already gone and Harry Maguire’s future beyond this season still uncertain, Martinez has emerged as the cultural glue of the defense.
To sell a player who possesses such rare passion and leadership qualities United have “cried out for during the dark times” would be a strategic blunder. As United prepare for a permanent managerial appointment this summer, securing Martinez’s long-term future should be at the very top of Omar Berrada’s priority list.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
