Lisandro Martinez faces unfamiliar new role at Man Utd on return to Ruben Amorim's squad

Manchester United fans were treated to a heartening sight this week as images from Carrington training ground were released. Lisandro Martinez was front and centre in the photos, marking another significant step in his recovery from an ACL injury sustained against Crystal Palace in February. Martinez's desire to return to the first-team squad has been evident for weeks and manager Ruben Amorim revealed that he had to dissuade the Argentine from travelling with the team to Nottingham Forest last month.

The decision not to risk Martinez for the subsequent draw at Tottenham Hotspur was understandable. Having been sidelined since February, rushing him back into action and potentially exacerbating the injury would not have been wise, especially considering the progress he has made in his recovery. His absence from the Spurs match all but confirmed that we would see Martinez back in the first-team fold following the international break. Yet, his role at the club has evolved in ways no one could have anticipated.

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When Martinez was stretchered off the pitch against Palace, United lost more than just a key player. As the leading defender and a guaranteed starter in the back five, his absence left a void in the team that Amorim struggled to fill due to limited options.

However, upon his return this weekend, he will discover that his once assured starting position in the United squad now belongs to Luke Shaw. When Martinez entered the injury room at Carrington, Shaw was already there, continuing his recovery from a muscular injury.

This marked his third significant injury of the 2024/25 season, and it seemed unlikely that Shaw would ever be able to compete for a regular starting XI spot again. Fast forward to November, and Shaw has played in 11 consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since 2023.

The Englishman has earned his place too. Aside from the widely criticised performance against Manchester City, Shaw has been one of the standout performers on the left side of the back three, and it was surprising not to see him called up for England.

As he reintegrates into the United squad, Martinez now faces the possibility of having to bide his time for a chance in the starting XI. His new role could be as a benchwarmer. The Argentine would have expected to be gradually reintroduced into the first team, but even when fully fit, he is waiting for Shaw to falter to seize his opportunity.

This will undoubtedly be a challenge that Martinez will relish, but it's a crucial 18 months ahead for the 27-year-old. His contract expires in the summer of 2027, and if he fails to displace Shaw, his tenure at the club could be drawing to a close.