Rúben Amorim’s Lisandro Martínez replacement plan explained as Manchester United absence length revealed

Rúben Amorim’s replacement plan for Lisandro Martínez has been explained as the defender’s absence for Manchester United after his latest injury is revealed.

Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon was a damaging result for Rúben Amorim and his squad, but an even greater concern emerged late in the match.

In the 82nd minute, Lisandro Martínez went in for a 50/50 challenge with Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr but crumpled to the ground as his knee twisted unnaturally. Replays showed the full extent of the awkward landing, sparking immediate concern.

Martínez remained on the turf for several minutes, clearly in agony and visibly emotional as five medics rushed to his aid. After a lengthy stoppage, he was stretchered off and replaced by Matthijs de Ligt.

A crucial figure in Amorim’s defence, Martínez had started 15 of United’s last 16 matches, chipping in with two goals and an assist in 2025. His absence will be a major setback for United.

United hit with Martínez injury assessment

Around 24 hours after Martínez found himself hitting the deck at Old Trafford, it has been confirmed by reliable Argentina journalist Gaston Edul that the United centre-back has suffered an injury to his cruciate ligaments/

“Lisandro Martínez had a rupture of the cruciate ligaments so he will not be able to play more in what is left of this European season,” Edul reported on X.

Further, the journalist explained that Martínez may return in around six months but that his recovery could be up to eight months long, meaning the player may not return until November.

“He will return after half a year, there are approximately between six and eight months of recovery depending on each one.”

Amorim’s Martínez replacement plan

In previous windows, United have secured last-minute deals following injuries to players if the club deem it necessary to bring in reinforcements.

Read More: Rúben Amorim’s thoughts on Angel Gomes as door opened for Manchester United return

Marcel Sabitzer was signed on a six-month loan in the 2023 January window after an injury to Christian Eriksen, while United also recruited Sergio Reguilón from Tottenham for a season in September 2023 after an injury to Luke Shaw, although he was sent back to North London the following January.

However, with United refusing to repeat this trick in the final hours of the 2025 winter transfer window as they do not want to make panic buys, Amorim will plan to use those he already has available to fill the slot left empty by Martínez’s injury, with previous reports stating the head coach is happy with his current defensive options.

The obvious replacement for Martínez is Shaw, with the left-back having played as a left centre-back multiple times across the last few years, although he has only just rejoined training and Amorim confirmed recently that he will be careful with Shaw due to his injury record.

United also have Noussair Mazraoui as another auxiliary option who has played on the left of a back three under Amorim, while Leny Yoro has also been touted as an option should he be required.

United confirmed the signing of centre-back Ayden Heaven from Arsenal last week, who is a left-footed defender and was meant to be an understudy to Martínez in the first-team, but after the injury, the 18-year-old may be thrust into more action than expected.

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