With Ruben Amorim counting down the days until Lisando Martinez is fit and firing for his first team, the Manchester United defence is braced for a hint of Argentinian steel.
Thankfully, the World Cup winner has ramped up his individual rehabilitation following a heartbreaking ligament injury that has seen him sidelined since February.
Having returned to grass at the end of September after months of strength and conditioning work at Carrington, there is now a growing expectation of his integration into Amorim’s squad in the coming weeks.
Not disregarding the positive metrics earned during the early stages of the season, but a tally of 11 goals conceded from seven Premier League fixtures has left a sour taste in the mouths of many.
Undeniably, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have impressed mainly in his absence. Still, the ball-playing ability of their Argentine teammate adds a defining quality to this outfit, one seen as potentially transformative for the former Sporting coach.
Could Lisandro Martinez supply the key for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United?
Although individual value is very much opinion-related, Martinez’s loss since his withdrawal during a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace is undeniable.
Amorim holds the 27-year-old in the highest regard, and as we confirmed in July, was massively impressed with his contributions during their short partnership at Old Trafford.
Don’t get me wrong, availability is the most fundamental attribute of any player, and that is what makes players like Bruno Fernandes so special.
Despite everything Licha offers on the field, his injury record is an unavoidable talking point and provides plenty of concern.
| Lisandro Martinez Injury Record | Number of days missed | Number of fixtures missed |
| 2024-2025 | 271 days (to today) | 33 |
| 2024-2025 | 3 days | 1 |
| 2023-2024 | 30 days | 6 |
| 2023-2024 | 55 days | 10 |
| 2023-2024 | 106 days | 26 |
| 2022-2023 | 78 days | 14 |
| 2021-2022 | 63 days | 10 |
| 2021-2022 | 11 days | 1 |
| 2020-2021 | 7 days | 1 |
| 2019-2020 | 21 days | 1 |
Our continued work with sources close to Carrington has revealed confidence in his fitness following this latest setback, and meticulous planning has been allocated towards his long-term health.
Such is the belief in his value for Amorim’s structure that Old Trafford officials view his impending return as one of a defining catalyst.
Regardless of what side of the fence you stand on and your opinions about Ruben’s dedication to his beliefs, Martinez was a mainstay in eight of the 10 clean sheets obtained before his injury.
Furthermore, his role as a playmaking defender who orchestrated transitions was beginning to define a new vision in the North West. Whether through distribution or ball-carrying, the figures identify a league-leading asset.
| Premier League 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile vs Premier League CBs |
| Passes into penalty area | 0.93 | 98 |
| Through balls | 0.26 | 97 |
| Carries into the penalty area | 0.10 | 91 |
| Progressive passes | 6.01 | 89 |
| Key passes | 0.46 | 88 |
| Carries into the final third | 1.18 | 88 |
| Progressive carries | 1.18 | 84 |
Many successful teams have been built on the backbone of a strong defensive line, and a notable trio is the calling card of Ruben’s career.
Although he may appear stubborn in adhering to a criticised philosophy, the man aims to have an interchangeable offensive shape depending on how far the ball has progressed from deep.
Inevitably, one of his defenders is tasked with progression to offer another central alternative in midfield. At the same time, the back two act as a decoy to encourage the rival attackers to move forward.
Given the technical ability, confidence and composure of this cult hero, who’s to say how far the relationship can carry a one-time powerhouse of the English game.
What are your thoughts on Lisandro Martinez and the transformative impact he could bring to Manchester United?
Let us know in the comments or on our socials. Photo by CosminIftode via depositphotos.com
Injury record via transfermarkt—statistics via FbRef.
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