Lisandro Martinez is making good progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury and are hopeful he could be available early next season. needed surgery in February after in a match against , but he’s now on the road to recovery.

The United defender was which ruled him out for the rest of the season. Martinez was a big miss for Ruben Amorim in the final three months of the campaign, as United limped to 15th place in the and lost the final against .

He was one of many injuries in defence for United and won’t be able to take a full part in pre-season when that comes around. However, the club have been encouraged by the progress the Argentina international has made, with tests confirming last week that he hasn’t got a tear in his meniscus.

United are weary of rushing him back and will take a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the injury. But it is hoped he will be able to start an individual rehabilitation programme in the coming months, working individually on the grass during pre-season.

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The aim will be for Martinez to make his return as soon as possible in the 2025/26 season, when United’s team will look very different. Amorim is keen to overhaul his squad – and – but the United boss is a fan of Martinez.

"If you let him, he can go play today without problem," after Martinez was spotted cheering his team-mates on from the sidelines against . "Because he loves the club, he wants to help the team, he understands the context. Like I said, he's a great character, he's really important in the dressing room."

The 27-year-old has also been praised for his leadership and encouragement by young midfielder Toby Collyer, who told : “Licha is another name that’s massively helped me, in training every day, around the building, to express myself, giving me little tips on the pitch and helping me through games. He’s another one that’s really helped me.”

Collyer also struggled with injuries, so spent lots of time with Martinez. “We saw each other every day in the physio room,” he added. “And even when we’re working in the gym, you have little moments where you can chat for a bit. It’s nice to have someone like him to get through it with.”

Martinez is keen to return as soon as possible. After undergoing surgery he wrote on : "Today, after going through several stormy days where I allowed myself to feel and accept my sadness, helplessness, insecurities, fears, and a deep emotional imbalance, I am reconnecting with my essence and my values, which help me see things from a kinder and more positive perspective.

"I feel immense gratitude for the incredible work and support of @manchesterunited, @afaseleccion, my family, friends, teammates, and everyone who took the time to send me a message of encouragement. The surgery went perfectly!! Now it’s time to give it my all, with heart and soul, in the rehabilitation process."

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