Lisandro Martinez pushes for Everton return as Amorim weighs late fitness call

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is targeting a return to the matchday squad against Everton after stepping back into full training. In the last 48 hours he has signaled to manager Ruben Amorim that he feels ready, with staff said to be impressed by his rehab work and conditioning. The plan remains fluid and hinges on how he responds to the next two sessions. Around the fanbase, excitement is clear, though several voices urge caution and a gradual reintroduction. A final call will likely arrive on the eve of the game, balancing urgency with the risk of setbacks.

Within 48 hours of the Everton clash, training ground updates indicate Lisandro Martinez has rejoined full-contact drills and communicated directly to Ruben Amorim that he is ready to contribute. Internal evaluations praise his recovery tempo and attitude. However, the technical team will monitor his response across consecutive sessions before confirming squad status. The return window lines up with a crucial phase of the season, adding pressure to the selection decision.

🚨 BREAKING: Lisandro Martinez is expected to return to the squad against Everton, but the next 2 days are important for how he fares in training. He has personally told Amorim he feels he's ready. Coaches impressed with his rehab + recovery. [@SullyTalkz]

@UtdXclusive

Impact Analysis

Viewing this strictly from a rival lens, the timing looks like a gamble. Martinez brings bite on the ball and personality, but match rhythm is a separate battle. United have been desperate for control at the back and are now flirting with the classic trap: rushing a key defender back because the calendar demands it. Two good sessions rarely replicate the angles, collisions, and aerial duels he will face immediately in the Premier League.

Amorim wants a left-sided distributor to speed up first phase build-up and compress the pitch. On paper, Martinez is that player. In practice, Everton’s direct play and heavy set-piece load will ask early, unforgiving questions. Without recent minutes, timing in the box, body positioning under back-post traffic, and the quick step to defend second balls can betray even top defenders.

If United start him cold, expect opponents to funnel play onto his channel, stack crosses, and force him to defend with his back to goal. If he is eased in late, the pace shock still carries risk. The pragmatic move is a bench role and a controlled cameo. The emotional move is to start him and hope leadership covers rust. That is the exact tension United have mismanaged before, and rivals will welcome a repeat.

Reaction

United’s online pulse splits in two. One camp is buzzing, sharing clips of sharp tackles and quick passing in training, declaring him ready. Another camp preaches patience, urging a slow ramp-up and even suggesting an under-21 tune-up game to remove the rust. The excitement posts lean on his personality as the missing ingredient in the back line, arguing that his aggression will reset the defensive tone in a crucial stretch.

More cautious voices stress the pattern with players returning too fast only to break down again. They cite the stop-start nature of recent seasons and warn that two strong sessions are not a substitute for rhythm. A common thread appears in several comments: bring him into the squad, do not throw him into the fire, let the minutes build logically.

From outside the United bubble, rival fans see a familiar cycle. Big return narrative, big pressure, and a decision that often skews toward sentiment. The mood is telling: optimism meets anxiety, with a practical middle ground available but rarely chosen when the spotlight hits.

Social reactions

LICHA THE 👇🏽🔥💯💯

David Baba ka Kezia (@Kezi4Daddy2012)

What an addition he’s going to be into such a crucial period of the season.

Adam (@AdamJoseph)

play him in the u21s for a game first he will be very rusty

gazmanny (@Rubenmanunited)

Prediction

Scenario 1 - Named on the bench, 15 to 25 minutes: The most sensible route. He tastes the pace, manages a handful of duels, and focuses on simple distribution. If United are ahead, he comes in to help see out the result. If chasing, he offers progressive passing from deep without overloading his body.

Scenario 2 - Starts, withdrawn around 60 to 70: This is the bold play. Early passing looks assured, but high-tempo exchanges expose the lack of match sharpness. Minor misreads at set-pieces or on long diagonals could force a protective early change. Risk of fatigue-related errors rises after the hour mark.

Scenario 3 - In squad but unused: If the final training response shows any tightness, Amorim parks him on the bench for optics and leadership, then opts not to use him. This preserves the player for the following fixture while maintaining the psychological boost of a visible return.

Given the context, Scenario 1 feels most likely. United can claim the momentum of his comeback without staking the result or the player’s body on a 90-minute test. The only way Scenario 2 wins out is if injuries elsewhere force the hand. If that happens, Everton will target him relentlessly.

Latest today

• Manchester United target Benjamin Sesko over Viktor Gyokeres in data-led striker plan
• Report: Rashford skips training for second day over personal matter - meeting with Hansi F...
• Man United set three-man midfield shortlist: Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba
• David Alaba skips outdoor training at Valdebebas - precaution or fresh fitness worry for R...

Conclusion

Strip away the noise and this is a fitness test against the clock dressed up as a comeback story. Martinez’s mentality is not in doubt. What is in doubt is rhythm under pressure and how United balance optics with sense. The data point that matters is not a clean drill or a crisp diagonal pass in training. It is how he copes with second balls, aerial collisions, and the repeat sprints that stack up after transitions.

If United manage his minutes, this return can stabilize them in the medium term. If they rush him, rivals will circle the target and exploit the rust. Amorim’s best move is to bank the psychological lift of having him back, then ration exposure until the body hardens to match speed. The season is long enough to build him in properly, but the league will punish sentiment. For now, expect a place in the squad, a cautious cameo, and a bigger role only once he proves he can absorb the load without setbacks.