Manchester United fans have been revelling this week following their side’s hard-fought 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool last time out.
The Red Devils have been inconsistent this season but have shown against top opposition that they can raise their performance levels and get positive results against the best teams in England.
United signed Benjamin Sesko and a number of other international-calibre players over the summer, with the Old Trafford outfit adding strength in depth to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
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However, the impending return of an existing player who hasn’t featured in the Premier League this season could well be the springboard United need to get to the next level.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesLisandro Martinez training ‘really well’
Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez has been on the sidelines due to a knee injury this season, with United missing the South American centre-half in 2025-26.
Amorim has provided a timely update on the former Ajax man’s fitness ahead of a clash with Brighton this weekend.
While Martinez is not yet fit enough to feature against the Seagulls on Saturday, the Argentina international could be set to return to action in the next few weeks.
“Licha is out,” Amorim told the club’s official website.
“He trained really well. He was on the next pitch and I was watching.
“He’s training really well, the knee is looking well but I don’t want to say a specific week [for his return] and then it depends on Licha, whether he wins the spot.”
United are missing Martinez’s mentality
Martinez offers United a host of positive attributes that will only help the Old Trafford outfit climb the table upon his return.
The 27-year-old’s aggression, reading of the game and distribution from the back will improve the Red Devils’ defence once he is back and able to feature.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
However, with United in a state of transition and needing players to stand up and be leaders, Martinez’s winning mentality and determination may well be the attributes most missed at the moment.
The Argentine has only played 31 Premier League games over the last two seasons – getting him fit and keeping him in the team can see United as much more of a daunting proposition and a harder team to beat.