Manchester United have been handed a more encouraging reading on Lisandro Martínez after his latest injury scare, with the defender’s situation not thought to be severe.

Martínez was forced off in the first half of the World Cup final, and the sight of the Argentina left-footed centre back leaving the pitch naturally triggered concern in Manchester. His central defensive partner Cristian Romero also went off injured after both had spent much of the match resisting Spanish pressure.

Although the final finished badly for Argentina, Martínez still had reason for recognition. He was later included in FIFA’s Dream XI, a nod to the strength of his individual tournament.

The issue is understood to involve his thigh, which at least places it apart from the long-running problems that have interrupted his United career. Since arriving at Old Trafford, Martínez has missed sizeable spells with foot, knee and calf injuries. His first season was ended early by a fractured metatarsal, while injuries kept him out of 41 matches in 2023-24. In 2025, a torn ACL sidelined him for more than nine months and even prompted thoughts of early retirement.

Muscle problems have continued to affect his recovery from that knee injury, but the present hamstring concern does not appear to be a major one. United are said to be relaxed, and Andy Mitten understands the club believe Martínez can be fit for the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The Red Devils travel to newly promoted Hull City on Aug. 22.

United have not yet added a defender in the summer transfer window, with Michael Carrick expected to trust the options already available to him. He will also hope Matthijs de Ligt can return soon, though the Dutchman still has a way to go before full fitness.

De Ligt’s recovery from his “complicated” back injury is expected to take almost a year. His last appearance for United came in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Nov. 30, 2025, when Ruben Amorim was still in charge.

With the World Cup having only recently concluded, Premier League clubs are already deep into their 2026/27 preseason programmes. The calendar is tight, the travel is heavy and the purpose is clear: get players ready, test combinations and give new faces a chance to make an early impression.

Arsenal, the reigning champions, are among the later starters. Their first friendly comes on Aug. 1 against Girona in Catalonia, before further meetings with Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como. They will then face Manchester City in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Aston Villa have already opened with a 5-0 win over Walsall and continue across Europe and Asia, while Bournemouth began with a 4-1 victory against St. Pauli. Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion both have short schedules remaining, with each taking on European opposition in mid-August.

Chelsea’s first run under new manager Xabi Alonso takes them to Australia for matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, before trips through Hong Kong, Jakarta and Malaysia. Their final friendly is against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.

Elsewhere, Everton have mixed early results and face a demanding route through Scotland, Germany and home soil before meeting Lille. Fulham also have work to do after a behind-closed-doors defeat to Norwich City. Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City all have their own preparations mapped out, while Crystal Palace have already played twice and continue with fixtures in Italy and Germany.

Liverpool’s schedule includes a United States tour against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United, followed by Monaco and two games against Como on Aug. 16. Manchester City are taking a lighter approach, starting with Inter in Hong Kong before facing the K-League All-Stars, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal. Manchester United, meanwhile, have already lost to Wrexham and beaten Rosenborg 5-0, with Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and Milan still to come.

Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur also remain busy, with each club using these final weeks to sharpen up before the league begins.

Manchester United may end up benefiting from Real Madrid’s sudden interest in Rodri, with the possible consequences for Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga potentially reshaping the market.

A move for Rodri would not automatically require Madrid to sell either midfielder, but the financial case would be strengthened if one of them were moved on. There is also the possibility that being pushed out of Madrid’s strongest XI could make Tchouaméni reconsider where his future lies.

The Daily Mail writes that Premier League clubs are “on alert” over Tchouaméni, while BBC Sport says Madrid are “willing to discuss” a deal.

United were understood to have made an enquiry about a transfer at the start of the summer, although progress has been limited by Tchouaméni’s wish to stay at the Bernabéu. He had reportedly reached an agreement to extend his contract until 2031, though that has only been reported and not confirmed, leaving his current stance unclear.

Even if Tchouaméni were to tell Real Madrid that he wants out, any deal would remain costly and could rise above $90 million. His annual salary is also estimated at just under the equivalent of $14 million, which would be another obstacle for interested clubs.

That sits against United’s recent approach in the market. The club backed away from more expensive moves for Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, instead chasing cheaper options such as Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Their wider search has also brought links to Tyler Adams, Mamadou Sangaré and Danilo, while the now cancelled Éderson move was attractive in part because of its lower price.

This is not a question of United lacking the means for Tchouaméni. It is whether the economics make sense alongside their other priorities. Carlos Baleba remains the only defensive midfield target with a similar price level, though his basic salary is estimated at under $1 million.

If Rodri’s arrival reduces Tchouaméni’s minutes, Camavinga’s position could become even more precarious. The Frenchman is already under pressure after a poor end to last season cost him his place at the World Cup.