Lisandro Martínez overcame a devastating ACL rupture that sidelined him for most of the 2024‑25 season, returning to the Manchester United first‑team and earning the captain’s armband for the 2025‑26 finale. His physical recovery, combined with focused mental‑strength work, turned a career‑threatening setback into a leadership milestone and bolstered United’s defensive stability.
The ACL Injury and Immediate Impact
Martínez suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a league match in early February 2024. The diagnosis ended his season and projected a nine‑month rehabilitation period, jeopardizing his spot in United’s back line and his role with the Argentina national team.
Timeline of the Injury
- February 2024: ACL tear confirmed after a collision with Brighton.
- March‑December 2024: Surgery and intensive physiotherapy.
- Early 2025: Gradual return to light training.
- September 2025: First competitive appearance post‑injury.
Mental Battle During Rehabilitation
Beyond the physical challenges, Martínez faced a profound mental struggle. He admitted that during the early weeks of recovery he “seriously considered walking away from the game,” fearing loss of identity and relevance.
Support System at Manchester United
Manager Erik ten Hag visited Martínez weekly, while teammates such as Luke Shaw and Casemiro kept him engaged with training videos and encouragement. A mental‑strength coach introduced visualisation techniques and set micro‑goals—milestones like walking unaided and running 200 metres pain‑free.
Return to the Pitch and Captaincy
Martínez’s first competitive match after the injury was against Newcastle United in September 2025. Though cautious at first, his composure and defensive acumen quickly re‑established him as a starter.
First Competitive Appearance
- Played 60 minutes, demonstrating measured movement.
- Showed leadership by organizing the back line.
- Earned praise for mental resilience from the coaching staff.
In the final league match of the 2025‑26 season, ten Hag awarded Martínez the United captaincy, recognizing his on‑field leadership and off‑field perseverance.
Implications for Manchester United
Martínez’s resurgence provides United with a physically aggressive yet tactically intelligent centre‑half. His renewed form has contributed to the club’s climb from mid‑table to a top‑four European challenge, stabilising a defense that struggled after a turbulent transfer window.
Future Role with Argentina
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Martínez will be a key figure in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. His “newfound hunger and mental toughness” add depth to a squad already featuring stars such as Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Key Takeaways for Players and Clubs
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Combine physical therapy with mental‑strength coaching to accelerate recovery.
- Club Support: Regular check‑ins from managers and teammates foster confidence during long‑term injuries.
- Leadership Opportunities: Overcoming adversity can position a player for leadership roles, benefiting both individual careers and team dynamics.
