Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez started the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a bang, helping Argentina pick up a 3-0 win over Algeria. The Butcher was indispensable for the Red Devils once again in the second half of last season after recovering from an ACL injury.
Martinez initially operated as the left-sided centre-back in a back three under former head coach Ruben Amorim, a position in which he flourished before his unfortunate injury in the tail-end of the 2024/25 season. When the Portuguese was sacked at the turn of the year and Michael Carrick was appointed as his replacement, the English giants successfully shifted to a back four.
Martinez went on to forge a rock-solid partnership with Harry Maguire at the heart of Carrick’s backline, and helped the Red Devils finish third in the Premier League. The 28 year old’s efforts also ensured that he was included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Lisandro Martinez Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Second Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 18 | 13 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1,231' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | 79' |
| EFL Cup | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total | 19 | 14 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1,310' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
However, it was speculated ahead of the group opener against Algeria that the Argentina manager could station the United man at left-back to deal with an injury crisis. While Martinez had operated at left-back for the Red Devils on a couple of occasions, it was not his ideal position, raising curiosity among fans.
Argentina start World Cup with a win
Scaloni, however, resisted the urge to move Martinez out of position and opted for Facundo Medina in the left-back role. The Butcher, meanwhile, started alongside Cristian Romero in his usual left centre-back position.
Argentina started the game well and took the lead in the 17th minute through Lionel Messi. La Albiceleste then doubled the score after the break through La Pulga, who found the back of the net once again in the 60th minute.
Algeria did threaten to get back into the game, but the Argentina backline, marshalled by Martinez, held on. Messi completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, ending any chance of an upset.
While the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took all the plaudits, Scaloni’s backline also deserves credit for shutting down the Fennecs. Central to helping La Albiceleste secure a clean sheet was an inspired Martinez.
Martinez carries United form to World Cup
Martinez played the full 90 minutes and was heavily involved, registering 75 touches of the ball, the joint second-most after Enzo Fernandez (79). The United man completed 64 of his 68 attempted passes with a 94% pass completion rate.
Martinez was also rock-solid at the back, winning both of his duels, but lost possession four times. The United man registered three clearances and one interception, and made two tackles, including one last-man tackle.
The Argentine was not dribbled past even once for the entire game, highlighting his impressive positioning and defensive composure.
Lisandro Martinez Stats vs Algeria
| Metric | Lisandro Martínez |
|---|---|
| Touches | 75 |
| Accurate Passes | 64/68 (94%) |
| Duels (Won) | 2 (2) |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 2 (2) |
| Possession Lost | 4 |
| Defensive Actions | 6 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Tackles (Won) | 2 |
| Dribbled Past | 0 |
| Notes | Last man tackles: 1 |
Source: Sofascore.
Final Thoughts
After a season disrupted by injuries, Martinez’s assured start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup further highlights how important he can be when fit. United fans now will hope that the Butcher can enjoy an injury-free tournament and come back to inspire an eventful 2026/27 campaign.
FT: 🇦🇷 Argentina 3-0 Algeria 🇩🇿
Lisandro Martinez: 90 minutes, clean sheet, 6 defensive contributions, 0 dribble past, 3 clearances, 1 interception, 100% duels won.
𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/U8OfTrr2SX
— UtdTruthful (@Utdtruthful) June 17, 2026
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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