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Posted on July 27, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on July 27, 2026 12:44 pm Lisandro Martinez boost eases Man United injury worries as De Ligt waits.
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MANCHESTER UNITED
Full name: Manchester United Football Club Nickname: The Red Devils, United Founded: 5 March 1878 as Newton Heath LYR FC – 24 April 1902 as Manchester United Ground: Old Trafford Owners: Manchester United plc (71.06%) and Ineos (28.94%) Co-chairmen: Joel… Read More about MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United have received contrasting fitness updates on their two senior centre backs. The latest Man United injury news brings both relief and fresh worry for boss Michael Carrick. Lisandro Martinez looks set to return soon, but Matthijs de Ligt still has a long road ahead.
Lisandro Martinez set for season opener return
Martinez is expected to be fit for the club’s opening football fixture against Hull City. As reported by GOAL, United’s medical team are confident his recent thigh problem is not serious. The defender left the World Cup final holding his leg, which sparked fears of another long spell out, having already missed most of the 2025-26 season with a knee injury.
His return will be a huge boost for a squad preparing for a busy campaign across four competitions. Lisandro Martinez made only 18 Premier League appearances last season because of that setback, yet he remains a key figure in Carrick’s back line since joining from Ajax. The Argentine’s injury record has become a genuine concern behind the scenes, with the club reportedly weighing up his long-term future. Even so, he stays central to Man United’s plans as they build on last season’s third place finish in the Premier League.
Martinez’s stats this season, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Appearances Tackles Interceptions Successful passes Duels won (%)
Premier League 18 19 12 844 65.3%
FA Cup 1 3 0 57 62.5%
De Ligt setback forces United to lean on youth
The picture looks less promising for De Ligt. The Dutch centre back has not played for United since last November, having started every one of the club’s opening 13 league fixtures that season before the injury struck. He also missed the World Cup after having surgery on a long standing back issue. United’s official statement pointed to an early-season return, but reports from Andy Mitten suggest autumn is more realistic, leaving a real gap at the heart of defence.
To cover that gap, United will likely turn to their younger options. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are both expected to get more minutes while De Ligt continues his recovery. United paid around £48 million to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea and triggered a release clause to land Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, both deals aimed at deepening a squad Carrick needs for four competitions. Both additions should ease the pressure in midfield as the football calendar gets tougher.
United are also said to be exploring the market for a new left back. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has been mentioned as a target, though the fees being asked for defenders this summer have made the club cautious.
De Ligt’s stats this season, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Appearances Tackles Interceptions Successful passes Duels won (%)
Premier League 13 19 15 537 62.7%
Rashford’s return adds another layer to squad planning
Marcus Rashford has already returned to Manchester United after Barcelona’s option to sign him permanently expired in June. The forward impressed on loan at Camp Nou, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances, but his high wages ruled out a permanent deal for the Spanish club. With no other suitor able to match his salary, a fresh United contract now looks like the only realistic path forward.
His comeback gives Carrick another attacking option as United try to compete on multiple fronts, and he could feature when the season opens against Hull City. United’s squad depth will face an early test, with De Ligt sidelined and a Premier League schedule that shows no signs of easing up. How Carrick blends his younger defenders with the new midfield signings could shape how United start the campaign.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is the Sports Editor at Six Sports, where she leads editorial coverage across cricket, football, and other major sporting events. She oversees newsroom operations, editorial planning, story development, and publishing standards while ensuring every article meets Six Sports' commitment to accuracy, transparency, and responsible journalism. She works closely with writers, editors, and contributors to deliver timely news, match reports, analysis, features, and explainers covering domestic and international competitions. Her editorial approach focuses on factual reporting, clear analysis, and reader-first journalism, helping audiences stay informed about the latest developments across the sporting world. As Sports Editor, Deepanjali plays a key role in maintaining the publication's editorial quality, consistency, and independence while guiding coverage of major leagues, tournaments, teams, and athletes.
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