Softfootball believe player reliability has been one of the biggest problems affecting Manchester United during the 2025/26 season.
According to our analysis, talent alone is never enough in football. Consistency, availability, and physical stability are equally important factors. That reliability is one reason legends such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were able to dominate world football for such a long period.
We have highlighted three Manchester United players whose injury problems have affected the team’s stability this season.
Lisandro Martínez
Lisandro Martínez joined Manchester United from Ajax on 27 July 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the team’s most important defenders.
However, his 2025/26 season has been disrupted by repeated injury setbacks. Martínez missed United’s wins against Everton FC on 23 February 2026 and Crystal Palace FC on 1 March 2026.
After recently returning to training at Carrington, he reportedly suffered a minor physical reaction, forcing the coaching staff to withdraw him from the match against Aston Villa to avoid a more serious injury.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt has also been unavailable for long periods this season. The Dutch defender has been sidelined with a persistent back injury since late November 2025.
As of mid-March 2026, there is still no clear timeframe for his return, with some reports suggesting a possible comeback around April while others indicate he could miss the remainder of the campaign.
De Ligt was last seen in action for United on 30 November 2025.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount is another player whose season has been heavily affected by injuries. Mount is reportedly nearing a return to the matchday squad after two months out with a training injury.
Despite his absence, the midfielder has still managed to contribute important goals whenever he has been available.
Reliability concerns for squad planning
Our analysts argue that while Martínez, De Ligt, and Mount are players who could comfortably start for many Premier League teams, their lack of consistent availability makes it difficult for Manchester United to build a stable squad.
The concern becomes even greater when considering future seasons. Currently, United are involved in only one competition, but if they qualify for European football next season, the team could be competing in three or four tournaments simultaneously.
In that situation, having key players who struggle to remain fit for five consecutive matches could become a major challenge for the club’s long-term planning.
