Lisandro Martinez opens up on past retirement thoughts after injury setbacks

Martínez suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in February 2025 during a 0-2 defeat against Crystal Palace. The setback ruled him out for nine months, before he finally returned in November. His comeback came against the same opponent, with United this time securing a 2-1 victory.

Speaking to AFA Estudio, the 27-year-old admitted the recovery period was one of the toughest moments of his career, both physically and mentally. He even contemplated walking away from the game altogether.

“You feel like you’re not a football player anymore,” Martínez said. “You feel pain and think you’ll never play football again. It’s a mental and physical imbalance which, honestly, when I think about it today, I don’t know how I did it. I clung to the people around me, my family, my friends.

“After the first two or three weeks, to be honest, I didn’t want to play football anymore. Then, of course, you become more aware and you get that support.”

In the 2023/24 season, Martínez missed 42 matches due to multiple injuries. Last season, he has already been absent for 36 games. Despite those setbacks, the Argentina international has returned and is now fighting to re-establish himself in the starting line-up.

Reflecting on his recovery, Martínez added: “You need to not take the easy way out. The easy way out is to just give up. I always say it’s in the face of adversity that you show your true character.

“So I reconnected with myself, with my roots, with who I am and with my values, and I gave it my all day after day. For me, it was day by day, a constant struggle. My match was every day at the gym.

“I also had therapy with my psychologist, always trying to improve in every aspect. I was clear about what I wanted: to become the best version of myself and see how far I could go. With each passing month, I saw the results. I felt stronger, and today on the pitch I feel excellent. Thanks to those days of suffering and not giving up, we now see the results.”

Under Ruben Amorim, Martínez was a key part of a back three, mainly operating as the left centre-back. However, with new head coach Michael Carrick expected to switch United to a back four, Martínez will have to compete for one of two centre-back spots. His main rivals include Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt, should the Dutch defender return from injury soon.

Manchester United have already been knocked out of the FA Cup, meaning they will only compete in the Premier League for the remainder of the season. This weekend, they face the Manchester derby on 17 January as they continue their push for a Champions League place.