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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has ruled out an exit from Old Trafford as he targets a return to first-team action by September, according to a report.
Martinez, 27, suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his knee against Crystal Palace in February.
It marked the fourth major injury the Argentinian international has endured since his £55 million move from Ajax in 2022, despite rarely having been injured before arriving in Manchester.
Despite significant improvements in treatment, an ACL injury can still have a devastating effect on a footballer’s career. It can often take up to twelve months to fully heal and still have a lasting effect beyond this, while a more ambitious recovery period is considered to be six to nine months.
Initially, reports had predicted Martinez could miss most of 2025, suggesting his recovery was in the more serious category. However, Simon Jones (Daily Mail) reveals the 27-year-old defender is hoping to be back in action in a Red shirt by September, with a target of pre-season for a return to training.
“The Argentina international is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and is on course to return for pre-season training with the hope of making a first team comeback in September”, the reporter states.
This would mark a seven month period since Martinez injured his knee – the much quicker end of the recovery spectrum for an ACL.
Jones also contends Martinez has “no interest” in a move away from Old Trafford after he was linked with a move to Serie A champions Napoli this week.
“Napoli are understood to be exploring opportunities for bargains in the market and appreciate Manchester United are open to selling players in this window as they plot a rebuild under Ruben Amorim and without the extra funds of European football.
“Martinez has been identified as a name under consideration but Mail Sport understands the 27-year old is determined to stay and succeed at Old Trafford even if Champions League clubs come knocking this summer.
“The combative centre-back has a good relationship with Amorim and is viewed as one of the leaders in the United group.”
A number of experienced players are set to leave Old Trafford this summer, including Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelof, and it’s thought Martinez will be “leaned on” by the coaching staff to take on a more senior role in the dressing room.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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