Manchester United’s revival has been closely tied to Michael Carrick’s calm authority on the touchline, but the resurgence cannot be explained by coaching alone. Something else has shifted at Old Trafford. Lisandro Martinez return has restored balance, aggression and belief to a side that looked fractured without him, and his influence has been every bit as decisive as Carrick’s appointment.
Martinez made his first appearance after 301 days out with a serious knee injury while Ruben Amorim was still in charge, but his minutes were carefully managed. The Argentine was eased back gradually, building fitness and confidence after a long and mentally draining recovery. His first start came against Newcastle, a narrow 1-0 win, and it marked the moment United finally began to look whole again.
Structure restored and rhythm regained
Since returning to the starting XI, Lisandro Martinez has been a constant presence, starting every game as United’s results have improved. The team have drawn three and won four of those matches, with the last three victories all coming under Carrick. That timing is no coincidence. Carrick’s preference for a back four has allowed Martinez to operate in his natural environment, rather than being constrained by structural compromise.
The partnership with Harry Maguire has also settled quickly. Maguire provides aerial dominance and physical security, while Martinez offers composure, anticipation and progression from deep. Despite his “Butcher” nickname, Martinez’s real value lies in his technical ability. He dictates tempo, steps confidently into midfield zones and ensures Man Utd build attacks with purpose rather than panic.
Carrick’s system has amplified those strengths. With clearer roles and fewer defensive emergencies, Martinez has been free to influence games with the ball, effectively acting as an auxiliary midfielder when United are in possession.
Big-game influence and match-defining moments
That influence has been decisive in recent wins. Against Fulham, Lisandro Martinez showcased his range at both ends of the pitch. Early in the match, he collected possession just outside his own box, drove into the opposition half and played a simple but incisive pass into Kobbie Mainoo, releasing Amad Diallo for a shot that forced a save from Bernd Leno.
Later, rattling Man Utd after giving up two late goals, it was Martinez who ignited the winning sequence. His cool cross-field pass set up Amad in space, opening Fulham up and enabling Benjamin Sesko to apply the finishing touch. It was leadership through clarity, not chaos.
His defensive work remains just as important. In the derby win over Manchester City, Martinez produced his best performance of the season. Tasked with containing Erling Haaland, he delivered a disciplined, fearless display filled with sliding blocks, brave headers and immaculate positioning. Pre-match suggestions that he would be overpowered proved wildly inaccurate, reinforcing how often Martinez continues to be underestimated.
🚨🎙️ | Lisandro Martinez:
“You need people who understand your quality. Michael Carrick is doing that.
“When you touch my heart, I will give EVERYTHING FOR YOU.” pic.twitter.com/3IXcVT0YmW
— The United Dose (@TheUnitedDose) January 30, 2026
The cost of absence and the value of belief
Martinez’s importance becomes even clearer when examining United’s record without him. Since his arrival, he has played just over half of the club’s league matches due to repeated foot and knee injuries. In the 70 games he has featured in, United have won 35. In the 68 matches he has missed, they have won only 28, with several of their worst runs coinciding with his absence.
Those periods were painful for Martinez personally. He confessed he even thought about quitting football altogether, when he suffered a torn cruciate ligament in February 2025. Every day brought an inner and outer struggle to recover. Yet that resilience now defines his presence at Carrington, where he is known for driving standards, demanding intensity and reminding teammates what it means to play for Manchester United.
Carrick’s arrival has reignited that edge. Martinez has spoken openly about the coach’s energy, trust and emotional intelligence, explaining how it has allowed him to give everything again. Carrick, in turn, sees Martinez as the embodiment of what he wants his team to be fearless, emotional and committed.
United’s renewed optimism feels grounded rather than fragile. Carrick has brought clarity, but Martinez has brought conviction. Together, they have restored identity. The Butcher is back and Manchester United are finally starting to look like themselves again.
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