Lisandro Martinez’s return has a major impact for Luke Shaw that can benefit Man Utd in two ways

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Manchester United are set to welcome Lisandro Martinez back to action in the coming weeks.

After a nightmare ACL injury suffered at the start of 2025, Lisandro Martinez has returned to first team training.

Martinez’s return is great news that has some United fans even talking about a title charge amid an impressive run of form.

United will no doubt treat Martinez’s comeback with caution. It could still be a few weeks until he is thrown into first team action.

With the World Cup on the horizon next summer, Martinez will also want to treat his comeback with a long-term view in mind.

Martinez comeback can benefit Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw has made the left centre-back spot his own this season, with his form improving over the past three games especially.

Martinez would replace him in United’s defence when fit, with competition for places in defence intensifying.

The rotation between Shaw and Martinez is good news for both players.

Martinez does not need to come back into a situation where he is being relied upon, that could make him susceptible to suffering another injury

This actually happened before, when he returned quickly from an injury in an away game at Brentford in early 2024, and suffered another setback that almost cost him a place in the FA Cup Final.

Luke Shaw has a wretched injury record too, and so if he is able to get a little rest, it will certainly benefit him.

Shaw has improbably started all nine Premier League games. This can’t be expected to continue.

African Cup of Nations will test United’s options

The African Cup of Nations will cause some headaches for Manchester United this season even if everybody is fully fit.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui are all expected to be unavailable for weeks in early 2026.

Having Lisandro Martinez back enables Manchester United to move Luke Shaw forward into the left wing-back role.

United would be left with only Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot, plus youth team options, allowing little room for injury or suspension.

Shaw is yet to play at wing-back this season, but he might need to in January, and will be supported with Martinez in the back three.