We have no choice but to integrate him back into the team since Martinez got his terrible. I was wrong to not use him before” – This is according to Ruben Amorim as Overlooked Manchester United player, who has only featured for 46 minutes under Ruben Amorim, is now unexpectedly back in the spotlight.

Manchester United’s season has been plagued with setbacks across multiple fronts.

On the pitch, performances have been disappointing under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Following a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, the Red Devils find themselves sitting 13th in the Premier League table, struggling for consistency.

Position Team Played Won Drawn Lost For Against GD Points
12 Crystal Palace 24 7 9 8 28 30 -2 30
13 Manchester United 24 8 5 11 28 34 -6 29
14 Tottenham 24 8 3 13 48 37 11 27
Adding to their struggles, United’s financial situation has presented further challenges. While Amorim had hoped to bolster his squad in the transfer window, time is running out, and departures seem more likely than reinforcements. This predicament is particularly concerning in light of Lisandro Martinez’s latest injury setback.

Lisandro Martinez’s Season Could Be Over
Beyond the disappointing defeat to Palace, United suffered another major blow with Martinez’s injury. The Argentine defender collided with Ismaila Sarr late in the game and was visibly in distress before being stretchered off.

Following the match, Amorim admitted that the injury looked serious, and subsequent reports suggest Martinez may be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Given Amorim’s preference for a three-man defense, losing such a key player is a significant setback.

With a packed schedule ahead, squad rotation will be crucial, but United’s defensive options are now limited. The remaining fit defenders include Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, and recent arrival Ayden Heaven.

Victor Lindelof Back in the Picture
One unexpected consequence of Martinez’s injury is the potential resurgence of Victor Lindelof. The Swedish defender had been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, but with United unlikely to secure a replacement before the transfer deadline, he could find himself back in Amorim’s plans.

Lindelof has featured sparingly this season, making just nine appearances and accumulating only 339 minutes of game time, with just 46 minutes under Amorim.

Competition Appearances Goals Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Premier League 5 0 1 0 59′
Europa League 2 0 0 0 145′
EFL Cup 2 0 0 0 135′
Total 9 0 1 0 339′
With crucial fixtures ahead, particularly in the Europa League, Lindelof’s experience could be vital. Young players like Yoro and Heaven cannot be expected to play every match, meaning the Swedish international may be called upon more frequently in the coming weeks.

Although a defensive signing before the deadline appears unlikely, Lindelof’s return to prominence could provide some much-needed stability at the back for United. Fans who thought his time at Old Trafford was coming to an end may soon see him playing a much bigger role.
Lisandro Martínez’s latest injury setback is a huge blow for Manchester United, especially given Ruben Amorim’s preference for a three-man defense. If he’s out for the season, United’s defensive depth will be stretched thin, which could explain why Victor Lindelöf is suddenly back in the picture despite his limited game time this season.

Lindelöf’s potential reintegration into the squad makes sense given the alternatives. Leny Yoro is still young and adjusting, Ayden Heaven is untested at this level, and while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire provide experience, squad rotation will be crucial with a packed schedule ahead.

It’s concerning that United’s financial situation may prevent them from securing a replacement before the transfer deadline. Do you think Amorim will trust Lindelöf for the remainder of the season, or could we see a tactical shift to compensate for Martínez’s absence?