It was a welcome sight at Carrington on Wednesday: Lisandro Martinez back on the grass with the first team. The Argentina centre-back has been out since February with a serious knee injury and his return marks an important step for Manchester United’s defence.
The long road back
Martinez picked up the injury during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in February. He had surgery shortly after due to severity of the injury. It took months of individual work, light sessions and a lot of patience to get him where he is now. The fact he’s now training with the group shows a lot. It shows that the club believes he’s ready for the next phase.
What his return means for United
With Martinez back in training, United regain a key defensive piece. He has been admired for his aggression, positioning and leadership. In his absence, others have filled the void but this signals a boost in depth and quality. The club note he has made 91 appearances since joining from Ajax in 2022.
Not a rush to play
This is good news. But Manchester United are being cautious. Manager Ruben Amorim said he won’t set a fixed date for his return. Amorim will monitor his rhythm and readiness. This approach shows they want to avoid another injury. They also want to ensure he comes back when fully ready.
What to watch in coming weeks
Several things will matter now. Namely : How Martinez handles full-team training, how many minutes he plays in low risk matches, and how his return affects United’s defensive setup. If he steps in and performs well, the defence will get a lift. If not or if it takes time the club probably ease him back further.
Author’s Insight
This return is more than just a player back in training. It signals United are moving through a tough patch and another experienced name is ready to contribute. But the true value will be seen on the pitch. Martinez’s fitness, agility and confidence after such a lay-off will determine whether this is a turning point or simply a step along a longer path. For United fans, hope is rising—but patience is still needed.
As featured on ManUNews.com
