Lisandro Martinez was forced off in the first half of Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, leaving Manchester United facing an anxious wait over the severity of the injury. The defender was visibly distraught as he left the pitch, a sight all too familiar to United fans.
Injury timeline and impact on season start
United's Premier League opener against newly-promoted Hull City is less than five weeks away. Manager Michael Carrick now faces the real possibility of being without one of his first-choice centre-backs for the start of the season. Martinez has been a fan favourite since joining in 2022, but he has spent significant time on the sidelines, starting just 65 Premier League games in four years.
Contract situation adds pressure
Now entering the final year of his United deal, Martinez is effectively playing for his future at Old Trafford. If sidelined for the opening stages, his audition for a new contract will get off to the worst possible start. According to club sources, United are assessing the injury but no timeline has been given.
Defensive depth already stretched
With Matthijs de Ligt recovering from surgery on a back problem picked up last year, United's centre-back options are already thin. Carrick cannot afford to be without his best players for large chunks of the season. The question remains: should United offer a new deal to a player so injury-prone, or accept they cannot rely on him and move him on?
Fan debate over Martinez's future
The conundrum divides supporters. Some argue Martinez is too good to let go despite his unavailability, while others believe United must accept the reality and part ways. The club faces a crucial decision in the coming weeks as they balance quality with reliability.
