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Lisandro Martínez is determined to return as soon as possible to help drive Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United project forward.
The last time the Old Trafford faithful saw the Argentine defender was when he was stretchered off against Crystal Palace in February.
It was a cruel setback, coming just as he was establishing himself as the starting left centre-back in Amorim’s back three.
The World Cup winner was in fine form before that unfortunate injury. His confidence on the ball and ability to progress play allowed United to sustain possession effectively.
Amorim had been so impressed with him that, in late January, he hinted that the 27-year-old epitomised the type of defender his team needed to thrive.
“When the central defenders play well with the ball, we play well. It’s something that Licha does really well and can take the ball,” admitted the United boss.
Before his season-ending injury, the Red Devils were on a four-match unbeaten run, during which Martínez even chipped in with a winning goal against Fulham.
However, after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee against Crystal Palace, he was ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
Defensive prodigy Leny Yoro stepped up impressively in his absence. Even so, Martínez’s passion and willingness to put his body on the line for Manchester United were sorely missed.
Following a successful surgery in mid-February, the former Ajax star has been undergoing rehabilitation, pushing to return and hopefully pick up where he left off.
Sky Sports has now delivered a significant boost regarding the defender’s recovery.
Reports indicate that United’s number six is keen to return as early as possible next season, with confirmation that he has made solid progress in his recovery from a serious ligament injury.
There is satisfaction that everything has gone to plan in Martínez’s rehabilitation
Further tests carried out last week revealed that the South American has no meniscus tear.
Despite this encouraging update, Martínez is expected to remain on an individual programme throughout the summer and will be training separately when his teammates return for pre-season.
Considering the severity of his injury, the club will take no unnecessary risks when reintegrating him into the team.
He will only return once he is entirely satisfied with his recovery and in peak physical condition.
However, his speedy rehabilitation means that this return should be closer to the start of the 2025/26 season than had previously been expected. This in turn could have repercussions on United’s transfer plans this summer.
With Martinez, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw available at left centre back and Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire filling the right and central roles, INEOS may well feel that the area is well covered and that their transfer budget would be better spent on strengthening other positions on the pitch.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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