Major boost for Rúben Amorim as the red-devil defender gears up for a November retun. Lisandro Martínez Man United full training returnIn a welcome turn of events at Carrington, Lisandro Martínez has stepped back into full first-team training with Manchester United after months of hard work and rehabilitation. Having endured a serious knee injury in February, the Argentine centre-back’s return marks a significant milestone for both him and the squad. Martínez suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a fixture against Crystal Palace early this year, which required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Since then, he has been working away from the spotlight at times training individually, doing gym sessions and recovering step by step. The decision to bring him back into full-team sessions is not just about physical recovery. It also reflects the trust placed in him by manager Rúben Amorim and underscores Martínez’s role as a key part of United’s defensive structure. “We miss a lot Licha,” Amorim said, emphasising not only the defensive presence but also the spirit Martínez brings. For Manchester United, the timing could not have been better. The centre-back has been out of commission for many matches, and his absence has been felt in a team that has needed stability at the back. With Martínez back in training, the squad now have a fresh option. He renewed hope that the left-side of the back-three can regain its full potential.
The return is not simply symbolic; it has practical implications for how United can approach upcoming fixtures. While Martínez may not be ready to dive straight back into full competitive matches, his presence in training means he can gradually build match fitness, regain sharpness and begin to influence team dynamics again. The plan for his return seems cautiously optimistic. Reports suggest that Martínez is expected to be available from later in November, following the international break. This gives him some time to build up fitness, adapt to full-contact training and allow the club to reintegrate him without rushing. From Martinez’s perspective, the journey has not been easy. He has faced repeated setbacks—foot fractures, ligament damage, and now the ACL injury.
Yet through it all, he remained connected to the squad: attending meetings, watching training sessions and staying involved behind the scenes. That mental resilience is part of what makes his return such a positive signal for the club. For the fans and for the club’s leadership, the comeback carries meaning beyond one player. United’s defensive unit has lacked consistency and cohesion in Martínez’s absence. The hope is that with him back, there’s a chance to stabilise the back-line and inject a bit of the aggression and energy he is known for. Of course, there are still caveats. Being back in training doesn’t guarantee immediate inclusion in the match-day squad.
Fitness, minutes, adaptation will all be managed carefully. The club seem determined to ease him back rather than rush him into action. The Butcher is back in training. That nickname beloved by the United faithful—is a reminder of the intensity and character he brings. With his return, Manchester United gain a vital piece of their defensive puzzle once more. The next phase now lies in translating that training presence into match-day impact. As the calendar moves into November and beyond, all eyes will be on how Martínez performs when he finally steps back onto the pitch. For now, though, the club, his teammates and the fans can rightly feel a surge of optimism.
