Man Utd star now out for first 3 games of 25/26 as Onana boost emerges - Laurie Whitwell

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is set to miss at least the first three opening games of the new season, according to The Athletic journalist Laurie Whitwell on the Talk of the Devils podcast.

The Red Devils star suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury back in February, which ruled him out for the rest of the 2024-25 season.

Martinez has been working towards a return and was part of the Man United squad that travelled to the United States on pre-season tour.

However, an August return could come too soon for him as the Old Trafford club are careful to rush him back to action, and he will not be facing Arsenal, Fulham and Burnley from the look of things.

Man United return to action afterwards in September with a trip to Etihad to face Manchester City on September 14, and the Argentina international could be available for selection.

Their head coach Ruben Amorim will be able to call upon other defenders but will hope Noussair Mazraoui will be available after the 27-year-old missed out against West Ham United today due to a knock.

The Red Devils are also currently without goalkeeper Andre Onana and Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, but the Cameroon international is hoping to return for the season opener against Arsenal on August 17.

The goalie suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month and was initially a doubt for the start of 2025-26 as fears emerged that he could miss around six to eight weeks of action.

However, it appears Onana is set to return ahead of schedule in a huge boost for Man United as his injury had forced them to consider entering into the market for a new goalie.

Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton have been in goal against Leeds United and West Ham and are expected to continue being selected when the Red Devils face Bournemouth and Everton next.

Man United play Fiorentina on September 9 in their last game of pre-season, and Amorim would love to have Onana available so as to get him ready for the visit of the Gunners.

Article written by Alani Adefunmiloye .