Man United Insiders Believe Lisandro Martinez Improves the Team; Player Not Thinking About Future

According to the latest report from Tyrone Marshall, a Manchester Evening News reporter who follows Man United, everyone within Man United believes that the team performs better when Lisandro Martinez is available, and he is currently satisfied with his contract situation.

It is reported that when Man United went to Ireland for training camp last month, their training intensity significantly increased. Some players returned from international matches, and others ended longer vacations. This was the first time the team had reunited in weeks.

But the Man United coaching staff believes that there is another reason for the improvement in training level and intensity: Lisandro Martinez's return. He missed nearly two months due to a calf injury, but as always, he threw himself into training wholeheartedly as soon as he returned.

Many insiders revealed that as long as he is on the field, the training level will be significantly improved. He brings intensity, aggression, and competitiveness, forcing his teammates to keep up with his pace, and he will not hesitate to point it out when he feels that his teammates are not doing so.

But he may now be at a crossroads in his Man United career. Nothing reflects his current low state more than the red card he received in the game against Leeds United after recovering from a calf injury.

He is expected to return to the starting lineup this weekend against Sunderland, which will be his 11th Premier League start this season. When Lisandro Martinez is in the team, Man United's overall strength will be improved. Carrick, as well as Ten Hag and Amorim, also agree with this view.

His passing strength has always been excellent, making it easier for the team to break through the defense, and his one-on-one defensive ability allows other players to push forward. The question is how to get him into the team lineup.

Last season, he started 20 league games, 8 the year before, and 24 in his first season after joining Old Trafford, but whether Lisandro Martinez is becoming injury-prone or simply unlucky is not an easy question to answer.

In 2023, a severe metatarsal fracture kept him out of most of the games; in 2025, a cruciate ligament problem kept him out for another nine months. This indicates that his injury problems are much more serious than a series of muscle problems.

There is a view within Man United that this setback is inevitable. He is a tough, aggressive defender who always tackles with all his might. If he loses these qualities, he may get more playing time, but can he still play the same role on the field?

A source close to the player revealed that the injury came at the right time for him, because the long periods of absence occurred when he was in good shape and felt that he was an important member of the team.

The Argentine centre-back believes that these experiences have made him stronger and more mature. In addition, in March 2025, in the early stages of his recovery from a knee injury, he became a father for the first time, which gave him a different understanding of life and helped him find a balance in life.

People close to Lisandro Martinez believe that he has become more motivated since his injury layoff. He realizes that a part of his career has passed and is now determined to make up for lost time.

He believes that he has recovered from his knee injury and is stronger and healthier than ever, and he is determined to prove it. His playing time may be limited again this season, but he was a key member of the team in Carrick's early days as coach.

His personality and leadership skills are highly appreciated by Carrick and his team. It was these qualities that helped him join Man United. Ten Hag had previously found that the team lacked these qualities, so he signed Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Antony, hoping to change the team's culture.

By the end of this window, Lisandro Martinez will almost certainly be the last player remaining from the Ten Hag era. Casemiro and Malacia will leave on free transfers, while Eriksen and Antony have already left.

The question is: how long can Lisandro stay at Man United? His contract is about to enter its final year, but Man United has the option to extend it for another year. As it stands, activating the one-year extension clause is the most likely option.

Under the leadership of the INEOS Group, Man United wants its highest-paid players to play, and the fact that Lisandro Martinez and De Ligt, two centre-backs in their prime, have suffered a lot of injuries this season has attracted attention.

Although Maguire has renewed his contract for another year, the club is still watching the centre-back market and have been linked with Van de Ven, although it is felt that he is more likely to join Liverpool.

It is understood that Lisandro Martinez is satisfied with his contract situation and is focused on finishing the season strongly rather than thinking about the future. He has repeatedly said that he loves playing for the club and believes that his future is still at Old Trafford.