The Impact of Lisandro Martinez on Manchester United’s Success

In Manchester United’s recent match against Fulham, Lisandro Martinez demonstrated his immense value to the team, particularly in their 3-2 victory.

Early in the game, he intercepted the ball from Casemiro just outside his own penalty area, advancing into the Fulham half before delivering a clever pass to Kobbie Mainoo. This set up Amad Diallo for a curling shot that was ultimately deflected by Bernd Leno.

Later, even as United struggled following Fulham’s late goals, it was Martinez who initiated the move leading to Benjamin Sesko’s eventual winner with a precise cross-field ball to Amad.

Martinez is not only known for his slide tackles and defensive blocks, which endear him to fans, but also for his exceptional ball-handling skills. This dual capability makes him a game-changer, effectively balancing the roles of defender and holding midfielder.

His composure and willingness to engage in the midfield and down the left flank were crucial in United’s previous week’s victory over Arsenal, where he helped the team regain control after a shaky start.

However, Martinez’s standout performance came during the derby against Manchester City, where he successfully marked Erling Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer. His critical sliding block against Haaland was a highlight, showcasing his defensive acumen and determination despite initial skepticism about his height.

Despite being previously written off due to his stature, Martinez has consistently proven his critics wrong. Those who still view his height as a hindrance overlook the impact of his absence on the team’s performance. Since joining United, he has faced multiple injuries, limiting his appearances to just over half of the team’s Premier League matches.

In the 70 games he has played, United’s record stands at 35 wins, 15 draws, and 20 losses. In contrast, they managed only 28 wins in the 68 games he missed, highlighting his importance to the squad.

Martinez’s injury woes have coincided with significant struggles for the team, particularly during the 2023 season when his absence contributed to a disappointing performance in both league and cup competitions. He suffered a serious knee injury in early 2025, leading to a prolonged absence that coincided with one of United’s worst league finishes in over five decades.

Yet, Martinez remained influential even while sidelined, participating in rehabilitation during the pre-season tour and contributing to the team’s morale. His dedication and leadership were recognized by former manager Amorim, who included him in the leadership group despite knowing he would miss the initial part of the season.

Under Michael Carrick’s management, Martinez’s fitness and form have rebounded. Carrick praised Martinez for channeling the excitement and energy of the supporters during matches. Martinez expressed admiration for Carrick’s connection with the players, stating, “If you touch my heart, I will give everything for you.”

As Carrick emphasized, Martinez embodies the emotional and enthusiastic play style he aims to cultivate within the team. With Martinez’s fierce competitive spirit and technical prowess, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Manchester United.