Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez returned to the starting XI against Ipswich Town on Sunday and helped his team secure a 5-2 victory. The Red Devils arrived at the game in desperate need of a win after the 2-0 defeat to Hull City on the opening day.
Michael Carrick decided to recall Martinez to the team in place of Ayden Heaven and the move paid off. While the Argentine gave the ball away for Ipswich’s second goal of the game in the final minutes, he generally had an assured outing.
Martinez registered 91 touches of the ball and made 87 passes with 90% accuracy. He attempted nine long balls, five of which were accurate.
United legend Rio Ferdinand has now explained why the Argentine is an asset for the club.
Ferdinand hails Martinez
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand hailed Martinez as the best ball-playing centre-back in the world. He said: “Martinez, by the way, we conceded two goals today, but what I would like to talk about is his ability on the ball. I would go as far as to say Martinez is the best centre-back on the ball in the game right now.”
“I’m trying to think of someone else better who can break the line with passing, who can beat the press when someone comes to him and just move it, take the ball in tight areas; Martinez takes some beating. He was phenomenal on the ball today in terms of his passing, like top tier.”
Martinez is coming off an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he started all but one game as Argentina set up a final against Spain. Unfortunately, the Butcher picked up an injury early against La Roja and La Albiceleste lost 1-0.
The former Ajax defender missed the first half of last season with an ACL injury, but was outstanding on his return, especially under Michael Carrick.
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.
United’s realistic target this season
Ferdinand also outlined United’s targets for this season, insisting that the team is not yet ready to challenge for the title. He added: “I can’t remember the year, but we lost to a team that was promoted [on opening day] and we won the league that year. We won the league that year! It can happen, but it ain’t going to happen this year: Arsenal are going to win the league.”
“Man United aren’t here to win the league. The people that are running the club and Michael Carrick, as much as they would like to, in there most serious thoughts they are not saying we are title challengers right now.”
“With their serious hat on, outside of press conferences and talking in public, they are not thinking that. Sensible, realistic heads are thinking about a year of consolidation, a chance to finish in the Champions League [places] is a must, that’s the lowest, and if we get a trophy on top of that what a season we’ve had.”
“That’s where Man United are right now, the standards over the years have been higher than that and we’ve got to get back to that, but that takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight.”
Final Thoughts
Martinez has a poor injury record and his contract expires at the end of this season. As such, INEOS have to make a decision regarding the Argentine’s future soon.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
