Manchester United are set to be boosted by the return of Lisandro Martinez from injury ahead of the Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
The Argentina international has been missing from Manchester United’s last three matches due to a calf issue, but Lisandro Martinez’s return is now on the horizon.
According to London Evening Standard and the reliable Premier Injuries, Martinez is expected to make his return when United face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, March 15.
Michael Carrick provided an injury update on Martinez ahead of the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, adding that he was “not quite ready” for that clash, but the 28-year-old is seemingly on track to feature against Villa.
Lisandro Martinez during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Why Lisandro Martinez has been a huge miss for Man Utd
It is no secret that United’s performance levels have dropped in the last three matches. Despite picking up three points against Everton and Crystal Palace, the nature of the performances were more scrappy.
In particular, United missed Martinez’s passing ability. No one in the current first-team squad has the ability that Martinez has to find line-breaking passes to break down a well-organised defence.
Data from Gradient Sports reveals that Martinez actually ranks third in the entire Premier League for line-breaking passes per 90 minutes (7.73 per 90). The highest of any United player this season.
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Martinez also has a superb talent for defending aggressively and keeping a high line. Earlier this season, Carrick praised Martinez for playing with emotion, and the intensity he brings to the pitch has been missed in the last three matches.
Leny Yoro has impressed while filling in for Martinez, but he doesn’t bring the same level of technical ability while in possession.
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Lisandro Martinez in the gym
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Lisandro Martinez has only lost one Premier League game in 2025/26
Martinez had to wait until November to return to United’s first team as he recovered from his cruciate ligament injury, and results immediately improved upon his return.
In his 14 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, Martinez has only lost once, and that was in the reverse fixture against Aston Villa when United lost 2-1 at Villa Park.
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Bruno Fernandes was injured against Villa in the first half of that match, so Martinez played as a defensive midfielder for the second half.
United fans were blown away by Martinez in midfield, but he is yet to return to that position under Carrick. Considering that was the only defeat that Martinez has tasted this season, he will be eager to avenge that result at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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