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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez enjoyed a stellar end to the campaign under Michael Carrick. The Argentine, who missed the first half of the season due to an ACL injury, was heavily involved after returning to full fitness at the end of November.
Martinez was a rock at the back following Carrick’s arrival and the subsequent switch from the 3-4-3 system to the 4-2-3-1 formation. The 28 year old dominated play from the centre-back position, where his aggression and ball-playing skills helped propel United to third in the Premier League table last season.
Indeed, the only games Martinez missed under Carrick were those for which he was injured or suspended.
Lisandro Martinez Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Second Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 18 | 13 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1,231′ |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 79′ |
| EFL Cup | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 19 | 14 | – | – | – | – | 1 | 1,310′ |
Source: Transfermarkt.
The Butcher is currently with the Argentina team preparing to defend their title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is expected to be a starter under Lionel Scaloni. However, it now appears that Martinez may have to operate in an unconventional role for La Albiceleste’s opening game of this year’s mega event.
Martinez in contention for unorthodox role
According to Diario Hoy, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and coach Luis Martin are deeply concerned about Nicolas Tagliafico’s recent injury. While La Albiceleste have Facundo Medina in their squad, Martinez has emerged as an unconventional option to cover at left-back.
The report states: “Although the team’s line-up will start to take shape during this Sunday’s training session, which will be held behind closed doors, the fact is that Facundo Medina and Lisandro Martínez are the leading candidates for that role.”
Should Medina get the go-ahead for the left-back position, the Butcher will start in his natural centre-back position. The report continues: “At the moment, Medina is the frontrunner, as he is more accustomed to playing in that position and already did so in the friendly against Iceland.”
“If the manager opts for him, the Manchester United defender would start alongside Nicolás Otamendi, whilst Cuti Romero might not make his return until the match against Austria, so as not to overwork him following his injury lay-off.”
“The other possibility is that Cuti and Otamendi form a centre-back partnership, with Licha moving out to the wing – a position he has occasionally filled and even played in during some World Cup qualifiers.”
Argentina also have Nicolás González and Valentín Barco in the squad, and both could cover at left-back. However, the report states that neither is being considered for the position, with one of Medina or Martinez likely to be selected for the job.
Has Martinez played at left-back for United?
Martinez famously filled in at left-back for United in the 2024/25 campaign during the final weeks of Erik ten Hag’s reign. The Argentine started in the position in the 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League and the 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
When the Dutch manager lost his job and Ruud van Nistelrooy was briefly in charge on interim basis, Martinez started at left-back against Leicester City in the EFL CUP, helping the Red Devils secure a 5-2 win. While the Butcher can fill in at full-back, there is no denying that he is at his scintillating best when operating as a centre-back.
However, having been an unused substitute in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Martinez will be desperate to feature for his nation this time, regardless of his position. Meanwhile, United are already in the market for a new left-back this summer, so they are likely to keep a close watch on the developments. The Butcher’s ability to slot in at full-back could end up having a bearing on the Red Devils’ transfer plans.
Final Thoughts
Martinez has suffered with injuries in recent times but remains indispensable for United when fit. Fans will hope that the Argentine can have a memorable tournament and come back unscathed.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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