Lisandro Martinez has given his verdict on Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s head coach ahead of his return from injury.
One of the biggest blows suffered at Manchester United last season was the long-term injury sustained to centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
After missing chunks of the season prior due to more serious knee injuries, Martinez tore his ACL, but he recently hinted at a return to action.
Martinez suggested his comeback is “getting closer”, which will come as a major boost for Ruben Amorim ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Martinez has proved himself as United’s best defender in the past, meaning his absence was felt over the past two seasons.
Amorim had to form a defence without Martinez from February until the end of the season. A specific return date has yet to be revealed by the club.
Lisandro Martinez playing against Fulham
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Lisandro Martinez expects changes under Ruben Amorim
The World Cup winner is on the road to recovery as United prepare to improve on a dismal season.
Amorim has implemented a back-three system in United’s defence, and a player with Martinez’s ball-playing ability would be a welcome addition.
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That is why United fans will be hoping that Martinez can return from injury and stay fit.
Speaking to Clank Media and Argentinian journalist Juan Pablo Varsky, Martinez revealed that he is hoping to return as soon as possible and make use of the “energy and willingness” that Amorim is fostering in the side.
The Argentine also expects Amorim to make changes after a difficult first six months at Old Trafford.
“The club is obviously going through a process of change,” Martinez said.
“Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, they haven’t found a manager who hits the right note. Ten Hag did a remarkable job at Ajax, which is why he went to United, and thanks to him, I joined the club as well.
“It’s like everything in life, you take a gamble, and sometimes it works out well, sometimes it doesn’t.
“I think that, like any club, if something isn’t working, it needs to be changed. It’s necessary to analyse what’s working and what isn’t and make changes accordingly because that’s how great clubs operate. Manchester is one of the best clubs in the world.
“Now Ruben Amorim has arrived with very good energy and willingness. I believe he will make the necessary changes.
“Without a doubt, change is needed, because where we ended up in the table over the last two seasons is unacceptable.”
Martinez benefits from therapy
In the same interview, Martinez opened up on his experiences with therapy as a professional footballer.
The United centre-back gave an account of his battles with mental health and finding a solution during his time at Ajax.
“I’ve been in therapy since I was at Ajax,” Martinez said.
“I was always against it until I found myself at a point in my life in Amsterdam where I had everything.
“I played for a European team, I was in the national team, I had the car I always wanted, I played every weekend, and I still felt empty, like I wasn’t happy.
“It’s not an easy process. You have to have the humility to accept being a normal person. Yes, I’m a footballer, but it’s a profession, it’s a sport, and we’re all people.”
He added: “Since I started, I haven’t stopped. I understood that you shouldn’t look for anything outside but rather inside. I found happiness and peace with myself, which is priceless.”