Lisandro Martinez has sparked Manchester United injury concerns, as he was substituted off in the first-half of Argentina’s World Cup final with Spain. The centre-half was given the nod to start by Lionel Scaloni as the two sides met at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, having impressed throughout the tournament.
However, he was unable to make it through the first-half, substituted 44 minutes in as a result of injury. Having picked up a yellow card moments earlier for a cynical challenge on Mikel Oyarzabal, Martinez was spotted taking a seat on the turf, showing signs of discomfort.
Surrounded by Emiliano Martinez, Enzo Fernandez and referee, Slavko Vincic, a gesture was made toward Scaloni’s dugout that a substitution was required. Speaking during the BBC’s coverage of the final, Guy Mowbray said: “Having just been booked, Lisandro Martinez is now down in his own penalty area.
“Slavko Vincic will be reiterating that if he needs treatment, he’s going to have to go off. The signal has just came from Emi Martinez that he’ll be going off anyway, he won’t be coming back on.”
He added: “Argentina could be losing one of their trusted centre-backs. It’s been a really good partnership between the man from Spurs [Cristian Romero] and the man from Old Trafford.
“I know some have criticised it, but they just seem to gel. We’ll use their nicknames; the Butcher is being replaced by the General. [Nicolas] Otamendi on to play for his country for the 139th time.”
Martinez looked to be signalling discomfort in his quad before making way for Otamendi, as United fans will be hoping that it’s nothing too serious.
It will come as another major blow for the Argentine, who spent a large chunk of last season on the medical table through a combination of an ACL injury and a calf issue.
A substantial injury could put a spanner in the works for the Reds in more way than one.
Large parts of United’s squad recently returned to Carrington as part of Michael Carrick’s pre-season camp, as they look to prepare as best possible for a new season.
A prolonged absence on Martinez’s part could force the club into bringing in new talent for what will be a busy campaign, considering United will also play Champions League football in 2026/27.
United have also been rumoured to be considering moving Martinez on this summer, with Atletico Madrid highlighted as a potential landing spot.
However, any injury could complicate matters, with the La Liga challengers potentially not keen on signing a sidelined playe
