10 September 2026

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has moved into the final year of his contract and has not yet agreed a new extension. The Argentine has started United’s last two matches this season after opening the campaign on the bench against Hull City.

Martinez was exceptional under Michael Carrick last season and played an important part in helping the Red Devils secure third place in the Premier League table. During the summer, the 28-year-old reached the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting every match except Argentina’s third group-stage fixture.

Martinez also registered one goal and one assist, while underlining his excellent passing range in Argentina colours. Unfortunately for the Manchester United star, he suffered an injury in the final against Spain, who went on to win 1-0.

In many respects, that was another example of the ball-playing defender’s injury troubles over recent years.

Martinez joined United in the summer of 2022, following Erik ten Hag from Ajax to the Theatre of Dreams. The Argentine quickly became a favourite with the Old Trafford crowd because of his reading of the game, his passing quality and his aggression.

However, the player has dealt with recurring fitness problems since arriving at the Red Devils. Martinez sustained a metatarsal fracture in the closing weeks of his debut season and was ruled out for a period.

He then spent a significant spell out in the following campaign because of various issues. The Argentine later ruptured his ACL in February 2025 and was sidelined for almost the whole year.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has made 112 appearances for the Premier League giants so far, but he has also missed 108 matches. A recent report carried by The Peoples Person said that United are prepared to activate the one-year extension clause in the player’s contract.

A new report has now offered further clarity on the situation.

According to Football Insider, United will offer Martinez a new contract only if he remains injury-free this season and continues performing at the highest standard. The report states: “Lisandro Martinez will be offered a new long-term contract by Man United if he stays injury-free and has an impressive season, sources have told Football Insider.”

“United will not rush into a decision with Martinez this season, even as he approaches the final six months of his initial contract.”

The report adds that United are expected to trigger the one-year extension option in his current deal, stating: “They can extend his deal by one year by triggering an automatic extension option, which is likely as he begins the campaign as a starter under Michael Carrick.”

Martinez’s performances and fitness over the next few months are now set to shape his future at Old Trafford. The report concludes: “He will be handed improved terms and a longer extension to his deal if he can stay fit and keep his place in the starting eleven in the coming months.”

There are very few defenders better than Martinez on the ball, and his experience with Argentina also makes him an important presence in the squad. However, because of his poor fitness record, INEOS have a major call to make over his long-term future.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment Overall credibility: 5/10 Why?

✅ Lisandro Martinez has a poor fitness record. ⚠️ Football Insider is an unreliable source for United news. ⚠️ The Argentine remains a key figure under Michael Carrick, so United may be hesitant to postpone his renewal.