As a troubled Manchester United defence continues to come to terms with Ruben Amorim and his intricate philosophy, Lisandro Martinez has been forced to watch helplessly from the sidelines.
The world-cup-winning Argentine suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace and has thankfully undergone successful surgery.
However, the magnitude of the setback could potentially rule ‘Licha’ out for the calendar year, inflicting a damaging blow to Amorim, his teammates and the entire United fanbase.
Although rival supporters are quick to lament the firey defender for everything from his height to his temperament, his absence has already been felt at the heart of the 20-time English champion’s backline and was never more evident than during February’s forgettable Goodison Park showing.
Lisandro Martinez | A hapless cult hero
Matinez was intent on recapturing the stellar form that propelled him to cult hero status within months of arriving in the North West, contributing undeniable growth throughout his 32 appearances in all competitions this season.
However, like his previous two campaigns in Manchester, injury quelled any momentum and added to his growing catalogue of misfortune.
Say what you will about a lack of coherence in this new-look setup, but the 27-year-old featured in eight of the 10 clean sheets obtained throughout 2024-25.
Furthermore, despite possessing a vast array of defensive talent in Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven, Licha provides a unique aura and ball-playing ability that differentiates him from the pack.
| Premier League 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile vs Premier League CBs |
| Passes into penalty area | 0.93 | 98 |
| xA: Expected assists | 0.07 | 96 |
| Through balls | 0.26 | 94 |
| Crosses | 0.46 | 91 |
| Progressive passes | 6.01 | 91 |
| Key passes | 0.46 | 81 |
| Passes into the final third | 4.68 | 72 |
| Pass completion | 89.4% | 64 |
Amorim revolutionised his philosophy in Portugal and is undeniably a coach who desires a combination of structure and fluidity. Much of his tactical prowess stems from the build-up phases where one of his back three will push slightly higher into the midfield channels.
What is unquestionably evident from the above chart is the value that Martinez offered as a ball-playing dynamo in this new-look setup.
Many have questioned the validity of Amorim’s ideals in the Premier League because of the higher tempo and physicality compared to its continental rivals.
Truthfully, the English domestic game is famed for aggressive high pressing to disrupt a calculated build-up from the base. But, Martinez supplies an alternative to defeat this ploy with a streamlined press-resistant ability, one that was often ignored through tactical analysis.
| Premier League 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile vs Premier League CBs |
| Carries into the final third | 1.18 | 88 |
| Carries into the penalty area | 0.10 | 86 |
| Progressive carrying distance | 160.83 | 86 |
| Total carries | 52.27 | 85 |
| Progressive carries | 1.18 | 84 |
| Passes received | 54.95 | 74 |
From a defensive perspective, he is routinely ignored by mainstream analysis despite a notable output every week.
We’ve touched upon his clean sheet presence above, but his contributions to the team dynamic offer an invaluable asset for Andre Onana and his defensive partners.
Admittedly, his height provides a credible target for the opposition, and despite his best efforts, this will inevitably be exploited (ranking in the bottom eight percentile for aerial battles lost).
However, the duo partnering him in the last line are tasked with supplying covering options – a specific ploy adopted during Amorim’s tenure in the Primeira Liga.
| Premier League 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile vs Premier League CBs |
| Tackles and interceptions | 3.70 | 91 |
| Dribblers challenged | 1.85 | 91 |
| Interceptions | 1.64 | 88 |
| Dribblers tackled | 1.08 | 85 |
| Tackles won | 1.23 | 84 |
| Passes blocked | 0.72 | 82 |
Despite his best efforts to maximise playing time in the North West, Martinez has endured ample spells on the physio table since his arrival.
It is unfortunate, given his relatively injury-free career before making his dream move under Erik ten Hag. To add some perspective, the Argentine missed 11 games for club and country before arriving in the Premier League.
Regardless, despite skewed opinion and a less-than-flattering acceptance of his undeniable value to this side, Lisandro Martinez is already sorely missed within this squad, and his lack of availability will have hit his Portuguese chief like a ton of bricks.
One can only hope that his latest battle with a lengthy rehabilitation will bring an end to his agony, and with the aid of his mother and support network, everyone at the Theatre of Red wishes him the very best.
How do you feel about the former Ajax man?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Statistics captured from fbref.com
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