Manchester United have been handed a new return date after the Manchester United centre-back was initially ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.
While Manchester United’s 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last season was inexcusable, it was certainly exacerbated by several factors that left United thoroughly underperforming across domestic competitions.
A mid-season managerial and formation change after Rúben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag threw United into flux for the remainder of the campaign, with good individual performances from those like Leny Yoro and Bruno Fernandes often let down by mistakes by others.
However, United’s injury problems were also a significant point of issue during the second half of the season, with those such as Lisandro Martínez, Amad, and Joshua Zirkzee facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.
But, with no international major tournament to take place this summer, many of United’s injured or recovering players are expected to continue their rehabilitation over the summer break and arrive at pre-season fit and ready for the 2025/26 campaign.
United handed major Martínez boost
The absence of Martínez was a colossal blow for Amorim, with the centre-back performing brilliantly on the left of United’s front three at the beginning of 2025 before suffering an ACL injury against Crystal Palace.
Martínez was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season, with initial reports indicating his return to action would likely occur in November 2025.
However, a fresh report from MailSport has now revealed that the Argentina international is now on course to return to United’s squad during pre-season training, which is due to commence in mid-July.
Further, it’s stated that there is hope he can return to action in September. With the first weekend of September being taken up by an international break, this would mark Martínez’s potential return as the weekend of 13 September, around two months ahead of his initial return date.
Martínez will stay at United this summer
Amid United’s need for a major clearout in the coming months, with Amorim wanting to add several new top stars to his squad, Martínez’s future at the club has been in doubt.
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Earlier this week, it was reported that Napoli were interested in signing the 27-year-old this summer to add to Antonio Conte’s title-winning team.
However, the MailSport report has further clarified that the defender has no intention of leaving United this summer, as he wants to continue fighting for his place on the left of United’s back three amid the emergence of Yoro and Ayden Heaven in that position.
He is determined to stay at United this summer and fight for the three trophies available in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup. He will not consider offers to exit Old Trafford, even if clubs that will play in the Champions League next season come knocking.
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