Long read: For Licha, it's one battle after another

In the midst of United’s rollercoaster start to 2026, pausing to reflect upon a personal milestone was the last thing on Lisandro Martinez’s mind. But if any player in the squad deserves special dispensation to do that, it’s surely the Argentinian.

Back in the starting line-up for the last 10 games, Martinez had spent the bulk of the last year battling back to fitness after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage against Crystal Palace last February. Were that alone not cause for celebration, for good measure ‘Licha’ also hit 100 United appearances in the 2-2 draw against Burnley, notably standing in for Bruno Fernandes as captain.

But rather than savour either the occasion or the…