Man United Weigh Lisandro Martinez Exit Amid Fresh Injury Fears

Manchester United have not ruled out selling defender Lisandro Martinez, according to multiple reports, with growing concern inside the club over his recurring fitness problems threatening to bring an end to his four-year spell at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old Argentine remains highly regarded by head coach Michael Carrick and was expected to be a central figure in defence this season. However, former United chief scout Mick Brown has revealed that the club has held internal talks over whether Martinez should be moved on, with his fragile injury history a major factor in that thinking.

Martinez picked up a fresh thigh injury during the World Cup final earlier this year, forcing him off and sparking renewed fears over his ability to stay fit for extended periods. Since arriving from Ajax in 2022 for a fee of £56.7m, the centre-back has missed lengthy spells through a combination of foot, calf, knee and thigh problems, including a serious ACL tear that ended his 2024-25 season early.

Despite the fitness concerns, Martinez has been a key figure whenever available, helping United win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, while also playing a role in Argentina's World Cup and Copa America triumphs. He has made 110 appearances across all competitions since his move from Ajax.

Financially, the situation adds further complexity. Martinez is understood to be earning around £120,000 a week, with his current contract set to expire in the summer of 2027. With no new terms currently on the table, question marks remain over whether United will look to cash in now rather than risk losing value on a player whose fitness record has become an increasing liability.

Reports have suggested Barcelona have registered interest in the Argentine, with some outlets claiming the Catalan club could be willing to pay in the region of €55m (£48m) should United decide to sanction a sale. Whether that interest is concrete or simply speculative remains to be seen, but it adds another layer to an increasingly uncertain situation.

United's underwhelming start to the season has only intensified scrutiny on individual squad members. The club suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City in their opening fixture, with set-piece failures highlighted as a particular concern — a result that has piled early pressure on Carrick's squad-building decisions.

The Red Devils have already been busy in the transfer market this summer, having strengthened their midfield with the addition of Carlos Baleba, alongside Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Attention could now shift toward defensive reinforcements, with a potential Martinez departure freeing up space — and funds — for a new centre-back arrival before the window shuts on September 1.

For now, Martinez remains part of Carrick's plans, at least in the short term, with the club reportedly planning to assess his fitness thoroughly upon his return before making any final decisions.

What happens next may come down to fitness as much as form: if Martinez can stay healthy through the opening weeks of the season, United may resist any offers. If his body lets him down again, though, a parting of ways before his contract expires next summer suddenly looks a lot more likely.