Softfootball consider participant reliability has been one of many greatest issues affecting Manchester United through the 2025/26 season.
In response to our evaluation, expertise alone isn’t sufficient in soccer. Consistency, availability, and bodily stability are equally vital elements. That reliability is one cause legends equivalent to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been capable of dominate world soccer for such an extended interval.
We’ve got highlighted three Manchester United gamers whose damage issues have affected the group’s stability this season.
Lisandro Martínez
Lisandro Martínez joined Manchester United from Ajax on 27 July 2022 and shortly established himself as one of many group’s most vital defenders.
Nonetheless, his 2025/26 season has been disrupted by repeated damage setbacks. Martínez missed United’s wins in opposition to Everton FC on 23 February 2026 and Crystal Palace FC on 1 March 2026.
After just lately returning to coaching at Carrington, he reportedly suffered a minor bodily response, forcing the teaching workers to withdraw him from the match in opposition to Aston Villa to keep away from a extra severe damage.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt has additionally been unavailable for lengthy durations this season. The Dutch defender has been sidelined with a persistent again damage since late November 2025.
As of mid-March 2026, there may be nonetheless no clear timeframe for his return, with some reviews suggesting a doable comeback round April whereas others point out he might miss the rest of the marketing campaign.
De Ligt was final seen in motion for United on 30 November 2025.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount is one other participant whose season has been closely affected by accidents. Mount is reportedly nearing a return to the matchday squad after two months out with a coaching damage.
Regardless of his absence, the midfielder has nonetheless managed to contribute vital objectives every time he has been obtainable.
Reliability issues for squad planning
Our analysts argue that whereas Martínez, De Ligt, and Mount are gamers who might comfortably begin for a lot of Premier League groups, their lack of constant availability makes it troublesome for Manchester United to construct a steady squad.
The priority turns into even larger when contemplating future seasons. At present, United are concerned in just one competitors, but when they qualify for European soccer subsequent season, the group might be competing in three or 4 tournaments concurrently.
In that scenario, having key gamers who wrestle to stay match for 5 consecutive matches might develop into a significant problem for the membership’s long-term planning.
