Manchester United have made a decisive call on the future of defender Lisandro Martinez, who is currently serving a three-match suspension following a controversial red card in the clash against Leeds United earlier this month—a match the Red Devils ultimately lost 2-1.
The suspension created a selection headache for interim manager Michael Carrick ahead of the Chelsea fixture. With Harry Maguire also suspended and Leny Yoro ruled out due to a late injury, Carrick turned to Noussair Mazraoui alongside Ayden Heaven at centre-back. The makeshift partnership delivered, as United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Since that win, United have extended their impressive run, claiming all three points at home against Brentford. Now sitting third in the Premier League table after 34 games, Carrick’s side face bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford this weekend. A victory could all but confirm Champions League qualification for next season—but they'll have to do it without Martinez, who remains suspended.
Martinez has been a vital presence when fit, but injuries have plagued his time at Old Trafford. The Argentine followed Erik ten Hag from Ajax in the summer of 2022 and quickly cemented his place in the starting XI. However, a metatarsal fracture late in his debut season sidelined him for 14 games across club and country.
Since then, Martinez has battled recurring injuries that have kept him out for extended periods. Yet when healthy, his ball-playing ability, courage, and defensive acumen have made him indispensable. After Ten Hag’s departure in November 2024, the 28-year-old seamlessly adapted to Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. Just as he became a key cog for the Portuguese coach, however, a ruptured ACL forced him to spend nearly 10 months on the treatment table.
Martinez was instrumental in United’s resurgence under caretaker boss Carrick before a calf injury in February sidelined him for five games. He returned against Leeds United, only to be sent off for a hair-pulling incident—a frustrating chapter for a player who has shown grit and quality every time he steps onto the pitch. For fans and the club alike, the hope is that his future remains in red, with his best days still ahead.