Fabrizio Romano has revealed Manchester United’s plans for Lisandro Martínez once he returns from his long-term knee injury.
Lisandro Martínez has been a shining light during several tough Manchester United spells since Erik ten Hag signed the Argentine in his first summer.
His partnership with Raphael Varane steered United to the FA Cup win against Manchester City and the Carabao Cup win against Newcastle United, but he has continued his good form into the Rúben Amorim era.
Playing on the left side of the back three, Martínez was crucial to how United played last season, and he came up with crucial goals against Liverpool and Fulham from that role, not to mention his assist for Amad’s late winner at the Etihad Stadium.
However, Martínez’s ACL injury has kept him out of the side for what feels like years, but that’s just because of his importance when he is available.
The former Ajax centre-back is now back on the grass at Carrington, but hasn’t begun training with the side and likely won’t for some time. United fans eagerly await his comeback.
Romano breaks down United’s Martínez plan
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Fabrizio Romano spoke on Martínez’s contract situation and United’s plan moving forward, given that he is still out injured.
“Licha is not available now, but he will return as soon as possible,” said the Italian transfer guru. “My understanding is that Man United want to discuss a new deal with Lisandro Martinez, because he’s out of contract in 2027.
“Man United don’t want to arrive into late 2026 with the player not having his contract extended yet, to avoid problems. And so what Man United will try to do is to negotiate with Licha Martinez before arriving in the final year of his contract.”
Romano added, “Now, waiting for the player to return. Of course, there is no rush, no pressure. But for sure, Manchester United want to try as soon as possible.
“So my feeling is, as soon as Licha is close to returning, they will try to accelerate. And so, let’s see what’s going to happen. But for sure, the intention of Man United is to try to discuss a new contract with Lisandro Martinez.”
Shaw will be fighting to keep his place
In Martínez’s absence at the start of the season, Luke Shaw has started all three Premier League games as the left-sided centre-back and played well, forgetting the mistake against Burnley for Lyle Foster’s goal.
While he has also struggled with injuries, Shaw has proven that he is capable of playing for United under several different managers, in several different positions: that adaptability can’t be forgotten.
Along with Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui are also pushing for more minutes in Amorim’s back three. With just the Premier League and FA Cup left, keeping everyone happy could prove difficult.
However, Martínez’s abilities – in possession and defensively – almost demand a place in the United side, especially if a new goalkeeper is beginning to play.
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