When these things happen” – Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivers a strong message on his injury setback last season
Lisandro Martinez openly acknowledges the tumult Manchester United faced in the previous season, attributing it largely to a string of injuries, some of which he personally endured. Recalling this challenging period, Martinez, who only managed 14 appearances throughout the season, considers these setbacks as valuable learning experiences. Despite the hardships, he now finds himself in an “excellent” state, brimming with optimism as he gears up for Argentina’s Copa America campaign this summer, having successfully regained his fitness just in time for the tournament.
The season saw Martinez grappling with injuries, with Manchester United bearing the brunt of the league’s highest injury count, excluding preseason incidents, tallying up to 45. Martinez’s own season was plagued by setbacks; he initially played six matches before re-aggravating his metatarsal injury. This recurring ailment had first sidelined him in April 2023 during a Europa League clash against Sevilla. Despite recovering in time for preseason, the issue resurfaced, prompting a second surgery in late September, sidelining him until January.
During his extended absence, Manchester United faced formidable challenges, bowing out of both the League Cup and the Champions League. Martinez’s return to action was short-lived, participating in only four games before suffering another setback in February during a match against West Ham, where an awkward challenge from Vladimir Coufal left his knee injured, keeping him out until late March. Upon his return, Martinez faced a recurrence of knee troubles, raising concerns of a premature return to the pitch.
Ultimately, Martinez made appearances in United’s last two Premier League games, a season marked by the team’s poorest finish in recent memory. Nonetheless, he played a pivotal role in the FA Cup final, contributing 73 crucial minutes to Manchester United’s triumph over Manchester City. This victory held particular significance for Martinez, having missed the previous year’s final due to his metatarsal injury.
In an interview with Ole, Martinez candidly reflected on the challenging season for both himself and the team. While acknowledging the difficulties, he emphasized the personal growth derived from such trials. “Yes, it wasn’t a good season for me or the team,” he conceded. “But you have to be prepared for such injuries. You need to learn from them too. I need to perceive it as an experience and feel strong about it. I feel wonderful today. I need to focus on the present.” Martinez’s perspective underscores his resilience and determination to surmount adversity, highlighting the importance of mental fortitude and the capacity to perceive setbacks as opportunities for growth.
As he looks forward to the upcoming Copa America, Martinez’s positive mindset and restored fitness augur well for both his individual performance and Argentina’s chances in the tournament. His journey through injury and recovery stands as a testament to his character and dedication to both club and country.
