Man Utd player 'fighting to save his career' as club prepare to make controversial decision

Manchester United have several calls to make in the final week of the transfer window, with one current player fighting to 'save' his career, according to reports.

The Red Devils made a dismal start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday, suffering a humiliating 2-0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City.

Michael Carrick's men were caught out twice on set pieces, with the Tigers exploiting United's weakness from dead-ball situations.

United's shortcomings at the MKM Stadium have only reinforced their desire to add more bodies to their squad before the window shuts.

Carlos Baleba is closing in on a £70 million switch to Old Trafford from Brighton after undergoing his medical over the weekend, while Carrick also wants to strengthen at left-back and at forward.

While incomings are imperative, Man United could sanction more departures ahead of the September 1 deadline after already offloading Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Radek Vitek, Altay Bayindir, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.

According to talkSPORT, defender Lisandro Martinez faces a 'fight to save his Manchester United' career after an injury-hit time in England since moving from Ajax for £57m in 2022.

The Argentine's current contract expires in 2027, but the 13-time Premier League champions are willing to activate his one-year extension.

Beyond that, the 28-year-old's future is up in the air, and those inside Carrington want him to prove he can stay fit or be sold next summer.

Martinez has missed almost 80 Premier League games due to various injuries during his four years at the club. Despite this, the World Cup winner - who is affectionately known as 'The Butcher' by fans - would leave many feeling sad if he exited the club.

On Saturday, Martinez was an unused substitute in the defeat to Hull, having only just recovered from a muscle strain he suffered in Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain just over a month ago.

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Lisandro Martinez's injury record at Man United examined

When he's fully fit and available, Martinez is arguably United's best centre-back, but injuries have prevented him from proving that consistently.

In February 2025, the versatile defender suffered his most serious injury yet as he tore his ACL against Crystal Palace and was sidelined for nine months.

Martinez returned to the pitch from that huge setback last November, ironically against the same opponents, coming off the bench for the final eight minutes in a 2-1 victory.

'The Butcher' missed 292 days with that ACL injury, the longest period he's missed of his career, with a foot injury from September 2023 to January 2024 also keeping him out for 106 days.

According to Transfermarkt, Martinez has missed a whopping 102 games for club and country with various injury problems, making him one of the most unreliable players in the squad.

Perhaps the 2026/27 campaign will be his last chance to stay fit, and if he can - while performing at the top of his game - then maybe the club will offer him fresh terms.

But until then, United will have a big decision to make on his future heading into 2027, with the possibility of his departure becoming increasingly likely.