Manchester United - Man Utd
Lisandro Martinez could be offered a new contract by Man United if the defender can remain fit and play regularly through the 2026-27 season. The player is still held in high esteem at the Red Devils but his run of injuries has made the club cautious about offering him a new deal, as per latest news.
Lisandro Martinez must prove his fitness
As reported by CaughtOffside, United are prepared to reward Martinez with improved terms if he can remain available and have a great year. Club will not make any hasty decision and could first use their contract option to extend his current deal.
The deal is due to run until June 2027 but United have the option to extend it by a further year. That option gives the club more time to assess his fitness before committing long term. The Argentina international was a regular in Michael Carrick’s defence at the start of the new campaign.
Martinez came back to play regularly halfway into last season after coming back from a serious injury. He was one of the main players of Carrick’s side as the Reds qualified for the Champions League.
United concerned by injury record
The main concern for United is Martinez’s fitness. The defender has failed to appear in over 100 matches for his club and country across the last four seasons, despite making 112 appearances for the Red Devils during that time. He missed about eight months with a serious ACL injury he picked up against Crystal Palace in February 2025, before returning to action last season.
The long absence was difficult for Martinez. He has previously admitted the injury lay-off had made him consider quitting football at the age of 27. However, he has since returned to an important role for both United and Argentina. He also played a major part in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final over the summer.
His current form means United still see him as an important defender. However, they want to see whether he can remain available for a full season before committing to improved terms. The club’s wider defensive plans could also be affected by fitness concerns. United are considering their defensive options ahead of next summer, with the fitness of several senior defenders an important factor.
Lisandro Martinez’s Man United stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Defensive Contributions Tackles Duels Won(%)
Premier League 18 105 19 65.3%
FA Cup 1 7 3 62.5%
Martinez faces big season at Old Trafford
Martinez now has a clear opportunity to secure his long-term future at United. If he can remain fit and be a regular in Carrick’s starting XI, the club might offer him a new contract. United could also face pressure from other clubs. Martinez is expected to attract interest in January, particularly with his current contract approaching its final months.
However, United have some protection through the extension option in his deal. That means they do not need to make a rushed decision if his fitness remains uncertain. For now, Martinez is expected to remain a key part of Carrick’s defence. His experience, aggressive style and ability to play out from the back makes him a vital player for United.
The 2026-27 season may thus be decisive. A prolonged spell on the sidelines would make United think again about their plans, while a sustained campaign would improve Martinez’s chances of a new long-term deal**.** With the Premier League season underway, Martinez will have to prove that he can stay on the pitch as well as perform at the level United expect. His future at Old Trafford could depend on it.
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