Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez Suffers Injury in World Cup Final
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez sustained an injury during Argentina‘s World Cup final defeat to Spain. This latest setback has raised questions about his availability for the upcoming season, following a period marked by various injuries.
Martinez was a key player for Argentina, helping them reach the final where they were ultimately defeated by Spain. He was forced off the field just before half-time in the final match. The final saw Ferran Torres score the only goal in extra time after Argentina was reduced to ten men when Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card.
Injury Status and Recovery Outlook
The injury Martinez sustained in the World Cup final appears to be a thigh issue. This differs from previous injuries that have affected his tenure at Manchester United, which include foot, knee, and calf problems. His first season at Old Trafford was cut short by a fractured metatarsal, and he missed 41 games during the 2023–24 campaign due to various ailments. He also missed over nine months with a torn ACL.
Despite the recent injury, there is optimism that Martinez’s current issue is not severe. Manchester United is reportedly relaxed about the situation, with expectations that he will be fit for the start of the upcoming Premier League season. The Red Devils are scheduled to visit Hull City on August 22 for their opening fixture.
Muscular issues have been a factor in Martinez’s recovery following his ACL injury. However, this recent hamstring concern is not believed to be a major problem. The club has not yet made any defensive additions in the summer transfer window, with manager Michael Carrick expected to rely on his current squad.
Wider Defensive Concerns for Manchester United
Martinez is not the only defensive player facing injury concerns for Manchester United. Matthijs de Ligt is also on the road to recovery from a back injury. De Ligt last played for the club in November 2025. His recovery has been described as complicated, with a return now targeted for the autumn.
In May, the club stated that De Ligt had undergone a corrective procedure, which was expected to keep him out for the summer and potentially allow him to return at the beginning of the 2026–27 season. However, his recovery has been delayed further.
Following Martinez’s latest injury, a poll conducted among supporters asked whether Manchester United should keep him. Of the 5,024 respondents, 58 per cent voted against keeping him, citing his frequent injuries. In contrast, 37 per cent voted to keep him, acknowledging his unreliability but emphasizing the team’s improved performance when he is available. Only five per cent were undecided.
Martinez is currently on his post-World Cup break, and the full extent of his injury is still being assessed by the club.
Meanwhile, Martinez has addressed criticism directed at Argentina following their World Cup campaign. He rejected accusations of aggressive play and controversial conduct, describing the criticism as an unjustified “anti-Argentina campaign.” Martinez stated that he is annoyed by the claims, asserting that there is “no real reason” for people to dislike the national team.
He maintained that the team has always been respectful towards opponents. This comes after the team faced scrutiny for incidents during the tournament, including a FIFA probe into a banner displayed during semi-final celebrations. Martinez had previously commented on the final defeat, stating on social media that “the fall of the great is the happiness of the mediocre.”
Despite the controversies, Martinez insists that Argentina’s players believe they have consistently shown respect to their adversaries, suggesting that the debate has unfairly influenced perceptions of the team. The World Cup campaign was marked by strong performances from Argentina but also by criticism regarding their style of play and player conduct.
The debate intensified after their 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the final.
Source: si.com
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
