Lisandro Martinez reportedly ‘faces a fight’ to save his Manchester United career amid growing concerns over his checkered injury record, according to talkSPORT.
The centre-half’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and while United do have the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months, this may be a decisive campaign in the grand scheme of Martinez’s Red Devils future.
BREAKING: Crystal Palace instantly reject Aston Villa bid for Jean-Philippe Matetahttps://t.co/Kevg5rvIaH
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 25, 2026
Lisandro Martinez: The state of play
Even if his one-year option is activated, INEOS may only do so to protect his resale value before looking to move him on.
Otherwise, they could lose a £38.5 million (as currently valued by Transfermarkt) asset for nothing.
The majority of supporters are in general agreement that when Martinez is fully fit, he is United’s best defender by some distance – even his performances at the World Cup with Argentina this summer were eye-catching for neutrals.
Lisandro Martinez is the highest rated centre-back at the World Cup (7.88) 💪
📊 FotMob pic.twitter.com/zqG4HbxDHS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 14, 2026
However, his availability is now such a rarity.
How has Martinez fared for United?
In the four seasons he’s represented United since his move from Ajax, the 28-year-old has racked up only 76 Premier League appearances and accumulated just 5,750 minutes of action on the pitch.
Lisandro Martinez is like a quarterback 🏈@ManUtd 🔴 pic.twitter.com/J3rPKVLiwM
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 5, 2026
Casemiro, who joined in the same window as Martinez, played 111 times in the top flight before his departure at the end of 2025/2026.
The Gualeguay native has also missed a whopping 88 matches for United across all competitions, showing just how undependable he is for the duration of a campaign.
| Season | Games missed |
| 22/23 | 12 |
| 23/24 | 35 |
| 24/25 | 24 |
| 25/26 | 17 |
(Courtesy of Transfermarkt)
Michael Carrick opted against starting Martinez for United’s 26/27 opener away to Hull City on Saturday, instead deploying a partnership of Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire in central defence.
Martinez did make the bench, but was likely rested due to his involvement until the World Cup final, during which he was substituted in the first half after an injury scare.
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