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Manchester United have been hit with a major injury concern after Lisandro Martinez limped off during the World Cup final.

The Argentine centre-back was substituted in the first half at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during Argentina’s clash with Spain.

Martinez had just received a booking for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal after a strong challenge from behind on the Spanish forward, but the defender went down immediately following the incident.

Goalkeeper and team-mate Emi Martinez quickly gestured to the Argentina bench, indicating that the Manchester United defender was unable to continue. Head coach Lionel Scaloni responded by calling Nicolas Otamendi to warm up and swiftly sent him on as a replacement.

The injury represents a significant blow not only for Argentina but also for Michael Carrick and Manchester United, who are aiming to build upon their third-place finish last season under their new permanent manager.

Carrick assumed full-time charge at Old Trafford after a successful second caretaker stint earlier in the year, stepping in for Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed in January.

Under Carrick’s guidance, United secured qualification for the Champions League for the first time since 2023, and the Englishman has been given the permanent role this summer along with backing in the transfer market.

The club’s summer signings include midfielder Andrey Santos for £48 million, goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million.

Martinez’s latest injury could pose a challenge for Carrick’s defensive plans, especially with Matthijs de Ligt struggling with a lower back problem last season, while Martinez himself had only recently recovered from an ACL rupture to finish the campaign strongly.

Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are the other senior centre-backs available, while Ayden Heaven remains the only left-footed central defender in United’s squad in Martinez’s absence.