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Manchester United regrets to inform supporters that the defender, Lisandro Martínez, has torn his ACL in the right knee. The injury happened in the Premier League game against Crystal Palace on February 2, 2025. Martínez had to be taken off the pitch in the 82nd minute after an awkward fall following a challenge with Ismaïla Sarr. He was in clear distress and had to be stretchered off. Medical tests have come back to confirm the gravity of the injury. The club’s medical staff is now deliberating on the line of treatment and the forecasted period for Martínez’s rehabilitation. Initial estimates have pointed toward his possible six- to eight-month absence, thus ruling him out for the rest of the current season and probably affecting the start of the next.
This is a big blow to Martínez himself and the entire team. The 27-year-old Argentine international has been at the heart of everything Manchester United does, ever since his £56.7m signing from Ajax in 2022. With his power in defense and leadership on the pitch, he has earned 32 outings so far this season, very crucial to the team’s backline.
Head Coach Rúben Amorim exclaimed in dismay, “Licha is a really important player for us, not just as a football player but as a character, especially in this hard moment. Now it’s time to help Licha like he’s done for us for so long.”
The setback is a third major one for Martinez since his arrival at Old Trafford, following a metatarsal fracture in April of 2023 and a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee back in February 2024 that kept him out for several months.
The club realizes the effect this injury has on the dynamics of the team and is determined to give Martínez the best possible care and support during his recovery. His absence will see Manchester United fall back on their depth in defense, with players such as Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and new signing Ayden Heaven.
Manchester United supporters have rallied round Martínez on social media, sending messages of goodwill as he hopes for a speedy and complete recovery. The club will announce updates when more information becomes available.
