Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has returned to the club’s first-team squad, joining his teammates at the club’s training camp in the Republic of Ireland as preparations for the new season continue.
The Argentine centre-back was the final Manchester United player to report back following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain on July 19. Martínez has now linked up with Michael Carrick’s squad in County Kildare.
Martinez’s return comes as United enter the final stage of their pre-season preparations. The club travelled to Ireland after their 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, with Carrick subsequently welcoming several players who had been given additional time away following their international commitments.
The defender was an important member of Argentina’s World Cup campaign, featuring in seven of their eight matches during the tournament as the 2022 champions made another deep run.
His return therefore gives Carrick another experienced option as he assesses his defensive combinations ahead of the new campaign.
United still have two pre-season fixtures remaining. Carrick’s side are scheduled to face Leeds United at Dublin’s Croke Park on Wednesday, before travelling to Poland to meet AC Milan on Saturday.
The Premier League season will then begin on August 22, when United travel to newly promoted Hull City.
Martinez’s return is particularly significant after the defender endured an injury-disrupted period during the previous campaign. Earlier this year, he had returned to full training with United during a training camp in Dublin as he continued his recovery from injury.
The 28-year-old joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 and has established himself as one of the club’s key defensive players when fit.
His ability to play out from the back and aggressive defensive style have made him an important part of United’s defensive plans.
With the new Premier League campaign approaching, Martínez will now have the opportunity to work alongside Carrick and the rest of the squad before United’s competitive fixtures begin.
For United, his return provides another boost to a squad looking to start the new campaign strongly under Carrick.
