The series of injuries suffered represents one of the greatest dramas for high-level athletes in their careers, and one of the names who suffered most was Lisandro Martinez, one of the main defensive references in the current Manchester United squad.
Lisandro Martinez Thought About Leaving Manchester United and Quitting Football
In an interview with AFA Estudio, the Red Devils defender shared that, following a serious ACL injury in February 2025 during a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, he considered stepping away from football. The nine-month recovery left Martinez sidelined through the rest of the 2024-2025 season and into the 2025-2026 campaign.
He returned to action in late November 2025, in a 2–1 win over Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner.
“You feel like you’re not a football player anymore. You feel pain and think you’ll never play football again. A mental and physical imbalance, which, honestly, when I think about it today, I don’t know how I did it. I clung to the people around me, my family, my friends,” said Martinez.
“After the first two or three weeks, to be honest, I didn’t want to play football anymore. And then, of course, you become more aware, you get that support. But, I always say, it’s in the face of adversity that you show your true character. So I reconnected with myself, I reconnected with my roots, with who I am, with my values, and I gave it my all, day after day.”
During the rest of the interview, Martinez says he monitors his monthly progress and feels he is stronger on and off the field, allowing him to help Man United rebuild after Ruben Amorim’s departure.
United Can Rest Assured With Martinez Healthy Again
Martinez is known for his aggressiveness in one-on-one situations, his anticipation, and his ability to recover the ball, characteristics that make him a key player in the Red Devils’ defensive game. The Argentine not only wins a high number of duels but also frequently recovers possession in the defensive third, making him one of the United players with the most recoveries in the Premier League this season.
Under Amorim’s management, the defender has already played centrally in midfield, excelling with high pass completion and recoveries, highlighting his game reading and possession control. If new coach Michael Carrick seeks possession under pressure with efficient transition, the defender is considered ideal for a midfield role.
Despite his attacking aggressiveness, Martinez lacks aerial dominance because of his height, which opponents often exploit with long balls. English press reports indicate that the Argentine was among those most in favor of Amorim’s departure, citing his limited playing time after returning from injury.
