Manchester United have received contrasting fitness updates on their two first-choice centre-backs, with Lisandro Martinez expected to be available for the Premier League opener against Hull City, while Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with no firm return date before the autumn.
Martinez had caused concern after limping off in the World Cup final holding his thigh, but United's medical staff believe the issue is not serious, and the Argentine is set to rejoin the squad after an extended post-tournament break. His availability offers a significant lift for Michael Carrick as United prepare for a return to Champions League football, with the defender remaining a central figure in the team's setup despite occasional fan scrutiny over his injury history.
De Ligt's situation is considerably less encouraging. The Netherlands international has not featured for United since last November, having missed this summer's World Cup entirely after undergoing a corrective procedure for a persistent back problem, and is not expected back in the fold until at least autumn.
With De Ligt sidelined, United are leaning on academy graduates Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven to provide central defensive cover, while also exploring the market for a new left-back to compete with Luke Shaw, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall emerging as a primary target, though United remain wary of the inflated fees currently being commanded for full-backs domestically. The club has already strengthened its midfield this summer through the £48 million signing of Andrey Santos and the free capture of Youri Tielemans via released clause from Aston Villa, while Marcus Rashford's situation remains unresolved, with a return to the United fold now looking increasingly likely after Barcelona declined to make his loan move permanent.
