Manchester United are reportedly willing to entertain serious offers for fan-favourite defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentine joined the Red Devils from Ajax in the summer of 2022, becoming one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings.
The 28-year-old then shared a frosty relationship with Ruben Amorim, whom he had reportedly clashed with prior to his sacking. He was also held back by an ACL injury during that period.
Martinez regained his starting role under Michael Carrick, forming a solid partnership with Harry Maguire, at least when they were both available. And yet, his future at Carrington remains far from certain.
Man United ready to listen to Lisandro Martinez offers
Like the rest of his international teammates, the ‘Butcher’ had an eventful World Cup campaign. Argentina were dethroned by Spain, who beat them in the final thanks to Ferran Torres’ solitary goal in extra time, but the highlight of their tournament was certainly the come-from-behind semi-final victory over England.
During the wild celebrations, Martinez couldn’t avoid controversy, as he joined some of his teammates in holding a fan-made banner stating that the long-disputed Falklands ‘are Argentine’.
The centre-back has long been considered a cult hero among Man Utd fans, but his popularity among the club’s local fanbase may have plummeted, with some calling for his UK visa to be revoked.
Regardless of this scenario, MUFC insider Andy Mitten believes Martinez could be sold, if not for the unsavoury World Cup episode, then for his poor injury record.
“I think there’s a little bit of doubt. If Manchester United received a big offer for him, he’d absolutely give it serious consideration,” said the journalist during his appearance on the Talk of the Devils podcast.
“He isn’t the top-earning defender by a long stretch, yet when he’s playing, he can be one of the best. The problem is he’s not playing enough. United want their money on the pitch, and he simply hasn’t been out there often enough.”
Martinez also picked up a knock during the World Cup final, prompting a premature exit. While the extent of his injury remains to be seen, another long layoff could further convince INEOS to cash in on the defender
“What if this latest injury keeps him out even more? No one doubts his quality when he’s fit – his attributes are clear, and he earned a bit of cult status in his first season. But he’s likely going to ask for a much bigger contract.
“The question is, would you give it to him? You don’t really know what you’re getting long-term. When he’s playing, you know exactly what you’re getting.”
Should Man Utd keep or sell Martinez?
Man Utd currently have six first-team centre-backs vying for two roles. However, Tyler Fredrcison is supposedly on his way out, while Matthijs de Ligt has been out of action since November and is expected to miss at least another few months of action after undergoing back surgery in May.
Maguire was the club’s main stalwart last season, but Leny Yoro has yet to make a significant jump in quality. Finally, Ayden Heaven is blossoming into a commanding defender, but his development still requires additional time before he can be considered a regular starter.
Therefore, Martinez remains an important piece of Carrick’s defensive jigsaw, hence why the latter always played him when available. The Argentine international isn’t only potent at the back, but also plays a crucial role in the buildup, hence why Amad Diallo described him as a ‘perfect’ player.
Martinez’s Injury Record at Man Utd From Until Length Matches Missed
Calf injury 23/02/2026 08/04/2026 45 days 8
Cruciate ligament injury 03/02/2025 21/11/2025 292 days 44
Back problems 23/11/2024 25/11/2024 3 days 1
Calf strain 02/04/2024 01/05/2024 30 days 6
Knee injury 04/02/2024 29/03/2024 55 days 9
Foot injury 21/09/2023 04/01/2024 106 days 6
Metatarsal fracture 14/04/2023 30/06/2023 78 days 14
(Via Transfermarkt)
Nevertheless, Mitten certainly raises an important point, as the Argentine’s Man Utd stint has been hampered by injuries. Moreover, Martinez’s expiring contract means this could be the club’s last chance to cash in on him.
That being said, the safest option would be to keep the 2022 World Cup winner for another year, allowing Yoro and Heaven to further develop before making a decision on his future next summer based on the evidence.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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