United Need Defensive Duo to Be Fit Ahead of Leeds

Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United celebrates with Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Copa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a hot-and-cold month that saw them draw at Bournemouth, lose at Newcastle, and beat Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, Manchester United will be looking to make it six home wins in a row as they take on Leeds United on April 13. And if they are to fend off Daniel Farke’s side, they’ll need Lisandro Martínez and Patrick Dorgu to be back to full fitness.

Martínez arrived in 2022 to much fanfare and furthered his reputation as one of the most promising defenders in Europe with a stellar campaign under ex-Ajax coach Erik ten Hag.The diminutive Argentine defender helped United win the EFL Cup and marked his presence thanks to his aggressive tackling – prompting the nickname of “The Butcher” – as well as his cool and composed passing, before fracturing the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and missing the final two months of the season. Just when it appeared that he was getting back to his best, Martínez reinjured his foot and missed the next four months. He lasted just a couple of weeks before colliding with West Ham’s Vladimír Coufal and sustaining an MCL injury, but he nevertheless returned in time to help them beat crosstown rivals City in the FA Cup.

After starting off 2025 with famous goals at Liverpool and Fulham, Martínez sustained an ACL injury and missed the next 10 months before working his way back into the side during the holiday period. But just when he appeared to be establishing a repertoire in central defense alongside Harry Maguire, Martínez injured his calf at West Ham on February 10, which has ruled him out ever since. With Maguire getting sent off against Bournemouth, Martínez will be more desperate than ever to return to full fitness as he looks to reestablish himself in the team and prove himself worthy of a roster spot in this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

On the other hand, Dorgu got off to a fairly inconspicuous start to his time in Manchester, lasting just 43 minutes before being sent off on his full debut vs. Ipswich Town on February 26, 2025. However, the Danish youngster started to find his footing in the final weeks of the year, bagging an assist at Aston Villa and a goal vs. Newcastle. Regarded as one of the most promising fullbacks in Europe alongside the likes of Vinícius Tobias, Dorgu was signed as a left back but actually delivered his best form as a left winger, assisting Benjamin Šeśko against Burnley before scoring in back-to-back matches vs. Manchester City and Arsenal. On the same day that he stole the show with a superb half-volley, Dorgu also suffered a hamstring injury that has kept him out for the following two months.

Whilst Martínez is capable of organizing United’s backline and providing more clarity in possession than younger profiles like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, Dorgu is capable of both pushing Luke Shaw for the starting left back spot as well as offering plenty of pace and dynamism in behind and serving as a reliable outlet in the final third. If United are to hang onto their rightful spot in the top three and finish in the UEFA Champions League positions, they’ll need both Dorgu and Martínez to stay fit for the home stretch of the campaign.