MU unexpectedly receives shocking news from Old Trafford's top star

Lisandro Martínez experienced a relapse of his calf injury and was absent for the Everton game, compelling Manchester United to adjust their backline in an important period of the campaign.

Manchester United had to play without Lisandro Martínez for the first time since Christmas Day, in the 1-0 victory over Everton in the early hours of February 24, due to the Argentine defender suffering an injury issue.

After more than nine months of treatment for a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Lisandro Martínez was cautiously reintegrated into the first team. Previously, coach Ruben Amorim’s reluctance to use him reportedly frustrated the player himself, before the Portuguese manager was dismissed in January.

Ultimately, Martínez won the “battle of wills” against Amorim and subsequent successors, starting 10 consecutive matches across all competitions. However, according to The Athletic, a suspected calf injury prevented the 28-year-old defender from traveling to Merseyside.

Muscle problems after a long break, as in Martínez’s case, are completely normal. In fact, maintaining stable fitness despite constant use under Amorim, Darren Fletcher, and later Michael Carrick, is the surprising part. Now, head coach Carrick must find a suitable replacement option.

The Athletic reports that Martínez is expected to be sidelined for “one or two weeks.” With the current schedule not too congested, Manchester United should not lose their key defender for an extended period.

If he cannot shorten his recovery time as he did after returning from the ACL injury, Martínez will likely miss the home match against Crystal Palace next Sunday. The away game at Newcastle on March 4 remains uncertain, but there is clear hope he will be fit for the Aston Villa match on March 15.

Martínez’s early return is highly anticipated by Manchester United. Not only does he perfectly fit Carrick’s philosophy, but this left-footed center-back also provides passing angles that right-footed teammates find difficult to produce naturally. During his absence, Leny Yoro has had more opportunities, but Harry Maguire is likely to be shifted to the left center-back position.

This was Maguire’s preferred spot during his time at Leicester City, but under Erik ten Hag in the 2022/23 season, confidence in Maguire playing left center-back declined. The Dutch coach once admitted: “The angles aren’t really favorable for Harry when playing on the left side. He struggles defending the flank with his left foot, and I think he is better suited on the right.” Whether Michael Carrick will reach the same conclusion remains uncertain.