A devastating injury to Lisandro Martinez has sent a backlash through the Manchester United camp. The Argentine defender, who has been one of the standout performers for the Red Devils this season, was stretchered off during United's 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on February 2, 2025. Martinez's knee injury is primarily feared to be a torn ACL by the club source (per ESPN), a condition that will sideline him for an extended period, leaving Manchester United to pick up the pieces without one of their most reliable defenders.
Lisandro Martinez Injury Update
The incident took place with just 15 minutes remaining in the match when Martinez attempted to block a run by Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr. In a seemingly innocuous challenge, Martinez twisted his knee and collapsed in discomfort. Immediately signaling for a substitution, the 27-year-old was visibly distraught as he was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Matthijs de Ligt.
Martinez is reportedly set to have further scans this week, but it was anticipated that he had suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, which will keep him out for a significant amount of time. Medical experts suggest that a torn ACL typically requires a recovery period of six to nine months, meaning that Martinez could miss not only the remainder of this season but also a portion of the 2025-26 campaign.
Understanding Torn ACL Injury Recover Time
The anterior cruciate ligament plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint. Located in the middle of the knee, it prevents the tibia (shinbone) from sliding too far forward in relation to the femur (thighbone). A torn ACL is one of the most feared injuries in football, as it often leads to a long and gruelling recovery process, including surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
For footballers like Martinez, who rely heavily on their agility, acceleration, and ability to change direction rapidly, a torn ACL is particularly debilitating. The recovery time typically ranges from six months to a year, depending on the severity of the injury and the progress of rehabilitation. Given Martinez's importance to the United defense, this is a serious blow for both club and player.
How Long Is Lisandro Martinez Injured For?
Manchester United's worst fears have been realized, with Martinez expected to be sidelined for months, according to Rab Dawson. This means he will may miss the remainder of the current Premier League season and is unlikely to feature in the early stages of the 2025-26 campaign. Moreover, his absence also leaves Argentina's national team in a precarious situation, as Martinez will miss key World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
This extended period of absence puts pressure on the Manchester United medical team and coaching staff to ensure that Martinez receives the best possible care and rehabilitation in order to make a full recovery.
Why Manchester United Will Miss Lisandro Martinez
Martinez has been an integral part of Manchester United's defensive setup since his arrival from Ajax in 2022. His left-footed ball-playing abilities, combined with his aggressive defensive style, have made him one of the first names on the team sheet. His ability to play out from the back and distribute passes accurately has added much-needed balance to United's defensive line.
In terms of tactical setup, Martinez has been crucial in a system that demands high-possession play and quick transitions. His composure under pressure and ability to read the game make him indispensable to head coach Ruben Amorim. With United lacking another left-footed center-back with similar ball-playing qualities, Martinez's absence could severely disrupt their defensive fluidity.
Without Martinez, United will have to rely on the likes of Harry Maguire or Matthijs De Ligt, who is a more traditional right-footed defender, or potentially experiment with other options like Luke Shaw, who is recovering from his own injury issues. While Shaw has experience playing as a left-sided center-back, his absence and the lack of a natural replacement for Martinez leaves United's defense vulnerable.
How Ruben Amorim Could Adjust
Ruben Amorim will now face the challenge of adapting his tactical system in the absence of Lisandro Martinez. Known for his preference for a three-man defense, Amorim has relied heavily on Martinez's ball-playing ability to control possession and initiate attacks from deep.
One potential solution could be the deployment of Luke Shaw in Martinez's position. Shaw, who has also been sidelined due to injuries, could shift into a left-center-back role when he regains full fitness. However, this may require further adjustments in the system, as Shaw is primarily a full-back by trade.

Another option could involve moving Harry Maguire or Matthijs De Ligt to the left side of defense. While Maguire or De Ligt is naturally right footer, but has experience in playing as the left center back and could step up to fill the void left by Martinez. However, this would shift the balance of United's defense, and it remains to be seen if these players can provide the same level of composure and control that Martinez brings to the backline.
In the longer term, Ayden Heaven, a January signing from Arsenal, could be fast-tracked into the first team. Heaven, who has impressed during his time in the youth ranks, is predominantly a left-sided center-back, making him a natural replacement for Martinez in future. But it is dare to think that he is the immediate solution to Martinez's absence.
Another Disappointing Man Utd News for the Fanbase
The news of Lisandro Martinez's injury has been met with disappointment and frustration from Manchester United fans, many of whom consider the Argentine to be one of the most crucial players in the squad. Martinez's absence will not only affect United's defensive solidity but also the team's overall tactical structure.
Manchester United fans have already expressed concerns about the team's ability to cope without their standout defender, and the pressure will now fall on Ruben Amorim to adjust his tactics accordingly. United's fragile position in the Premier League, currently sitting 13th, makes this injury even more damaging as they fight to secure a top-six finish and maintain their European ambitions.
Difficult Time Ahead for Manchester United?
In the coming weeks, Amorim will have to reassess his defensive strategy and look for immediate solutions. It will be interesting to see how the Manchester United head coach reacts to this difficult situation.
For now, Manchester United fans will anxiously await further updates on Lisandro Martinez's injury recovery, hoping for a speedy return to action. However, with the club's defensive issues mounting, it is clear that life without Martinez will be a significant challenge.
As Manchester United prepares for their upcoming fixtures, including the FA Cup clash against Leicester City, Amorim will need to find a way to restore defensive stability and continue his efforts to turn the team's season around. However, with key players sidelined, it remains to be seen how long it will take for the Red Devils to recover from this setback.