Rúben Amorim promotes “exciting” Academy star after Lisandro Martínez’s Manchester United injury

Rúben Amorim has promoted an “exciting” Academy star after Lisandro Martínez suffered a devastating Manchester United injury last week.

Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon was already a tough result for Rúben Amorim and his squad, but the night worsened with a potentially serious injury to Lisandro Martínez.

In the 82nd minute, Martínez contested a 50/50 challenge with Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr but landed awkwardly, his knee twisting in a concerning manner. Replays showed the full extent of the incident, sparking immediate alarm.

The Argentine defender remained on the ground for several minutes, visibly in pain and emotional as five medics attended to him. Eventually, he was stretchered off, with Matthijs de Ligt coming on in his place.

Martínez has been a vital presence in Amorim’s defence, starting 15 of United’s last 16 matches and contributing two goals and an assist in 2025. His absence will be a major setback for United.

Academy star promoted following Martínez injury

With United not signing a player on deadline day to replace Martínez, many at and around United are curious to see how Amorim will replace the Argentina international on the pitch.

Luke Shaw is expected to have a run of games at left centre-back once he returns from injury and other options such as Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Noussair Mazraoui remain available.

However, Amorim has also now chosen to promote 17-year-old defender Dante Plunkett to first-team training.

The young defender joined United from Aston Villa in May 2024 and recently confirmed on his Instagram that he had been training with the club’s first-team.

What you need to know about Plunkett

Plunkett is an “exciting” young defensive talent who has been involved with the U18s for the most part since he joined the club.

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Although naturally a left-back, his displays for Adam Lawrence’s team during his debut season at the club have shown he is a defensively proficient player and will no doubt have been used by Amorim in a defensive capacity during training amid the absence of Martínez.

Plunkett has also shown exciting attacking ability this season, scoring twice and assisting twice for United’s U18s across all competitions.

With United needing fresh options due to defensive injuries and a lack of creative reinforcement in the winter market, Amorim will be able to see first hand what the Academy can deliver for him in the remaining months of this campaign.

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