Manchester United fans might want to look away now as reports are claiming that Lisandro Martinez’s season could be over after being stretchered off this past weekend.
The Argentine World Cup winner was visibly emotional when he was forced off in the defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday and manager Ruben Amorim was quick to admit that it looked to be a “serious situation” in his post-match interviews.
Martinez has already spent a good chunk of his time at Old Trafford on the sidelines following a recurring knee issue and it now appears as though Man United’s worst fears have become a reality once again as the defender is said to have suffered serious damage to his left knee.
According to TyC Sports‘ Gastón Edul, the first-choice centre-back has torn his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and given the severity of the injury, he is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Lisandro Martínez tore his ACL against Crystal Palace, reports @gastonedul.
Pretty much the last three letters any supporter wants to hear about one of their own players: ACL injuries are not just a season-ender but multiple instances can unfortunately sometimes mean whole careers being cut short.
However, the signs didn’t look good from the off as the 27-year-old received lengthy on-field treatment following the collision with Ismaïla Sarr before being carried off in tears, and now it seems he may have known the extent of the injury in the moment himself.
ADVERTISEMENT
Any damage to the ACL typically means a lengthy period on the physio bench and surgery to repair the ligament, with players given a rehabilitation window of anywhere between nine months to a year or more depending on the exact nature of the tear.
However, there remain few details as to Martinez‘s condition at this stage but there have been no reports of a full rupture (ACL torn in two pieces). One thing that doesn’t need reiterating is how big a loss he is for the squad, especially given how frail they have already been in defence.
With all the focus of the transfer window the significance of Martinez injury has been largely overlooked. He was one of the few that have played relatively well recently and his presence in the dressing room will be missed. It’s a huge blow really
The centre-half had already faced long spells out of the team following his first major injury back in April 2023 when he fractured a metatarsal in his right foot and needed surgery.
ADVERTISEMENT
United struggled without his presence and leadership in the backline and with the deputy having recently contributed with both a goal and an assist in addition to his usual duties, his absence will no doubt be felt in the starting XI.
The only saving grace for Amorim’s Reds is the arrival not only of two new defenders in left wing-back Patrick Dorgu and 18-year-old fellow CB, Ayden Heaven, but Luke Shaw has also returned to training.
Will they be thrown straight into the mix? We’ll find out when the Red Devils face Leceister City in the FA Cup at home on Friday.
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Manchester United home kit for 2026/27 ‘leaked’ online in unboxing video
Danny Jones
Manchester United’s new home kit for the 2026/27 campaign has reportedly been leaked online in a YouTuber’s unboxing video ahead of next season.
We know fake shirts and dupes can be pretty accurate these days, but it looks very much like this could be the real deal.
Shared by dedicated football kit reviewer, ‘Retro Man‘, who has seemingly revealed the latest Man United jersey, this unveiling lines up with the previously rumoured designs circulated on social media.
A Red Devil himself, the creator has teased previous releases that turned out to be true in the past, so we’ll leave it up to all of you to decide how bona fide you think this supposed home strip is. Ever-reliable footy fashion peers, Footy Headlines, have also shared these images:
Uploaded to the channel on 25 April, Retro Man did a full overview of the United 26/27 home shirt, highlighting key features such as a red-forward collar with black and white accents.
That same trim is repeated on the ends of the sleeves – reminiscent of the 2011/12 iteration, only differing in the more crew neck style – and the back of the neck now simply reads “UNITED”.
It is worth noting that this is specifically the replica shirt that most fans will purchase.
Should it prove to be the genuine article, this will be the 11th Manchester United kit by adidas since they returned as manufacturers over a decade ago, a.k.a. the start of the Louis van Gaal era.
Retro Man has since posted another video showing off what he claims to be the ‘authentic’ version, too; you can check it out in more detail down below.
Looks pretty legit…
As you can see, the official player edition that will be worn on the pitch by actual United squad members (though they are still available to purchase by the public) appears to hold some key distinctions.
Besides some differences around the panelling and stitching, there is also a noticeable textured section along large sections of the interwoven fabric as part of the brand’s breathable and trademark ‘Climacool’ technology.
Elsewhere, the badge itself also looks to have a more embossed/raised finish. If this is the real deal, what do you make of it?
This isn’t the only United kit that’s caught some attention of late, either:
Featured Images — Retro Man (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The inaugural live tour version of A League Of Their Own Live Tour is heading out across the UK, with a big Manchester show booked on the list of dates.
For fans of the hit sports-based TV show on Sky, this will be the first time ever that the A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) cast will be presenting, performing and cracking plenty of jokes in front of a proper live audience.
There’s no stopping and resetting to get the shot with this production: just them and the crowds up and down the country – we know you won’t let the side down, Manchester.
Booking one of the city’s biggest and most storied live entertainment spaces, we have every faith they’ll make it a night to remember.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN LIVE TOUR
The hit TV show announces its first-ever live arena tour! Hosted by Jamie Redknapp!
As you can see, already confirmed to be taking part in the live adaptation of the panel show are regular co-hosts Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott, as well as some of the big names.
In addition to famous former sports personalities like Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, they will also be joined by comedians Tom Davies and Maisie Adam.
Massive football fans themselves, who have both been part of the ALOTO cast in the past, it’s a funny lineup, for sure.
While the main presenter, Romesh Ranganathan, has not been confirmed as part of the touring crew, it’s worth noting that the lineup could change closer to the time. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have some special guests up their sleeves for one or two of the shows, either…
Please let us see ‘Wazza’ roped in to recreate this moment:
Speaking of the dates, you can see all the shows – including the Manchester this coming autumn – currently announced down below:
A League Of Their Own Live Tour dates – 2026
Friday, 4 September – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Saturday, 5 September – AO Arena, Manchester
Tuesday, 8 September – OVO Arena Wembley, London
Friday, 11 September – Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Monday, 14 September – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Thursday, 17 September – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
As detailed above, early access can be enjoyed either for Three Mobile members or via the venue’s official presale window, which opens at 10am this Thursday, 30 April.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live at the same time the following Friday (1 May); you can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
Danny Jones -
4th February 2025 
