Early boost for Carrick: £56.7m Man Utd star set to return from injury vs Bournemouth

Manchester United have received a major injury boost with only nine games remaining in their 2025-26 season.

Lisandro Martinez sustained a calf issue before the trip to Everton last month.

Early reports suggested the defender would recover quickly, but he has now missed the last three matches and is expected to sit out again when Aston Villa visit Old Trafford tomorrow.

According to journalist Chris Wheeler, Martinez is expected to be back in the squad for the trip to Bournemouth on Friday.

The 28-year-old had only just returned to action in November 2025 after spending eight months recovering from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Since then, he has quickly reclaimed his place under head coach Michael Carrick and once again established himself as a crucial figure in the team.

Whenever he is available, United rely heavily on his sharp and progressive passing to build attacks from deep.

The £56.7 million signing may not be ready to start against Bournemouth but could still influence the game by making an appearance from the bench.

Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire have formed a partnership at the back in his absence.

We expect Yoro to make way for Martinez when the Red Devils host Leeds United on April 14.

Carrick will want the Argentina international to be available for all of the remaining games.

United currently sit third in the Premier League table but remain locked in a fierce battle with Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea.

While the Red Devils have built strong momentum under Carrick, they cannot afford to let it slip away during the decisive final stretch of the season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .