When Lisandro Martinez arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2022, his £57 million price tag raised eyebrows. But the Argentine defender quickly silenced doubters with his aggressive, no-nonsense style and became a fan favorite at Old Trafford. Now, however, those same fans might be growing concerned—and according to reports, so are the club's top brass.

Football Insider reports that INEOS, United's ownership group, now harbors "serious concerns" over Martinez's physical durability. The 28-year-old center-back has never completed a full season without injury since joining the Red Devils, and his latest campaign has been another frustrating chapter in that ongoing saga.

Martinez's injury history reads like a medical textbook: a metatarsal fracture, a cruciate ligament tear, and most recently, a calf strain that sidelined him for five additional matches. After missing the start of the 2025/26 season due to that ACL recovery, he finally made his debut in late November. He managed 14 appearances before his calf gave out in training—a pattern that's becoming all too familiar.

Here's the dilemma for United: when Martinez is on the pitch, he's transformative. His aggressive defending, composure on the ball, and leadership at the back have made him a first-choice starter since day one. But with his current contract—a five-year deal signed in 2022 with a club option for a sixth season—approaching its end, tough decisions loom.

The club is expected to trigger that one-year extension as Martinez nears the final months of his current agreement. But whether they'll offer him fresh, long-term terms remains uncertain. For a player who was once seen as a cornerstone of the defense, that uncertainty speaks volumes.

Currently serving a suspension for violent conduct, Martinez has one match left to sit out. He's expected to return for next Saturday's clash at the Stadium of Light. Beyond that, his focus will shift to the upcoming World Cup, where he'll aim to help Argentina defend their title.

For United's decision-makers, that tournament will be a nerve-wracking watch. They'll be hoping Martinez can navigate it without another lengthy layoff—because at this point, his availability is becoming as valuable as his talent.