Martinez return underpins Manchester United revival under Carrick
Manchester United’s resurgence since Michael Carrick took charge has drawn deserved praise, but the return of Lisandro Martinez is proving just as influential in the club’s renewed momentum. After 301 days out with a serious knee injury, the Argentine defender is once again shaping performances at Old Trafford, and his impact is now being felt in both results and authority on the pitch.
Martinez had made his long awaited comeback before Carrick’s arrival, with Ruben Amorim carefully managing his minutes through brief cameos and substitute appearances. That cautious approach was understandable given the severity of the injury and the physical and mental toll it took on the World Cup winner, who at one stage even considered stepping away from the game.
Since returning to the starting lineup, Martinez has not looked back. United have gone unbeaten in his starts, recording four wins and three draws, with the last three victories all coming under Carrick. The change in structure has suited him perfectly, allowing Martinez to operate in a back four alongside Harry Maguire, a partnership that blends aggression, composure, and balance.
The pairing has clarified roles at the heart of United’s defence. Maguire has taken responsibility for the aerial battles and physical duels, while Martinez has been freed to dictate play from deep. Despite his reputation as an aggressive defender, Martinez’s greatest value lies in his technical quality and ability to progress the ball with purpose.
That influence was clear in the dramatic 3-2 win over Fulham. Early in the match, Martinez stepped out from defence, carried the ball into the opposition half, and played a sharp pass into Kobbie Mainoo, setting up a move that ended with Amad Diallo testing Bernd Leno. Late on, with United under pressure, it was Martinez again who switched play calmly to ignite the move that led to Benjamin Sesko’s decisive goal.
A week earlier at the Emirates, Martinez played a similar role as United weathered Arsenal’s early dominance before taking control after the break. His calmness in possession and willingness to step into midfield helped United regain composure and authority in a hostile environment.
The defining performance of the run, however, came in the derby victory over Manchester City. Martinez produced a commanding display against Erling Haaland, combining perfectly timed blocks, sliding clearances, and fearless defending to nullify the league’s most prolific striker. It was a performance that underlined how misplaced the doubts about his physical suitability for English football have always been.
Statistics further highlight his importance. Since joining United, Martinez has featured in just over half of the club’s Premier League matches due to repeated injuries. In games he has played, United’s record is significantly stronger than in those he has missed, with several of their worst spells coinciding directly with his absences.
His injury setbacks have often triggered downturns in form and results, from the Europa League collapse against Sevilla in 2023 to an unstable start to the 2023-24 campaign and a prolonged spell on the sidelines that ended with United’s worst league finish in decades. Martinez’s absence has consistently left a leadership void as much as a tactical one.
Despite those challenges, his influence never fully disappeared. Martinez remained close to the squad during rehabilitation, travelled on tour, and was named to the leadership group even while injured. That commitment has translated into authority on his return, with teammates clearly responding to his intensity and presence.
Carrick has benefitted from inheriting a fully fit Martinez, but he also deserves credit for empowering him. Under the new coach, Martinez looks trusted, encouraged, and emotionally connected to the project, a combination that has reignited his best form.
As United push forward, Martinez stands as a symbol of the direction Carrick wants to take the team. Playing with emotion, control, and courage, he has helped restore belief at Old Trafford. For a side searching for identity and consistency, his return may prove just as important as the man in the dugout.