Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez: Red Card Drama and Injury Concerns Raise Alarm for 2025-26 Season

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[MyDaily = Reporter Kim Gun-ho] Manchester United could pursue a replacement for Lisandro Martinez.

British outlet Football Insider reported on April 17 (KST) that Martinez’s red card against Leeds — his second in that matchup — has amplified serious doubts about his availability for Manchester United.

United fell 1–2 to Leeds at Old Trafford on April 14 (KST) in the 32nd round of the 2025–26 Premier League season.

After conceding two first-half goals, United were reduced to ten men early in the second half when Martinez was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s head. Casemiro pulled one back, but United couldn’t find an equalizer and dropped points at home.

The sending-off provoked widespread debate, and interim manager Michael Carrick publicly criticized the referee’s decision.

Still, former United chief scout Mick Brown suggested the club might look for cover.

Brown told Football Insider, “United have serious concerns about Martinez. He’s suffered a string of injuries this season, and when he hasn’t been injured he’s faced suspensions. The red cards and his combative temperament have been worrying for some time. On top of that, he suffered a knee injury that appears to have led to further complications.”

He added, “He hasn’t been available often enough to make a consistent impact, and when he has played his performances haven’t met the required standard. When Harry Maguire is absent the team drops noticeably — that should be a wake-up call for players expected to fill that role, Martinez included. The club has other priorities in the transfer market, but if these frustrations continue they may consider signing a more reliable option to replace him.”

Martinez tore his anterior cruciate ligament in February last year and spent a lengthy spell sidelined. He returned nine months later and had been playing regularly until a calf injury in February forced him out again. The Leeds match was supposed to be his comeback, but the red card means he will miss further matches through suspension.

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