Manchester United Defender Lisandro Martinez Returns to First Team Training
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is set to return to first team training following the international break. The £47 million signing from Ajax has been sidelined since February after suffering a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during a match against Crystal Palace. Since resuming light training in July, Martinez has shown great determination to make a comeback. However, with several center-back options available, the club has taken a cautious approach to his recovery.
Martinez, who is part of the squad’s leadership group, has often appeared frustrated during this challenging period for the team under pressure from manager Ruben Amorim. Despite his eagerness to return, the club wants to ensure he is fully prepared for the demanding schedule ahead.
Martinez has been actively involved in training sessions, working with the ball and recently undergoing an MRI scan to assess the condition of his knee. The results were positive, and he is now ready to move to the final stage of his rehabilitation as he aims to be recalled to Amorim’s starting back three.
His return could not come at a better time for Amorim, who has faced increasing pressure in recent weeks. Manchester United have already lost three Premier League games this season, with the latest defeat coming against Brentford a few weeks ago. However, their comfortable victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford provided a much-needed boost for the Portuguese manager.
Following the win, Amorim urged his players to build on the three points they earned. So far, the Portuguese coach has yet to secure back-to-back league victories since taking charge in November. “We need to show with actions,” Amorim said. “I know they want to do their best, and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time.”
He added, “But like I said during this week, to be with the manager is ‘I will kill myself to go in every transition.’ Sometimes when we look at our team, I know for sure that in the end they know we can do better. We need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.”
Amorim also acknowledged the lack of momentum within the team, regardless of the international break. “There is no momentum with our team, with the break or without the break,” he admitted. “We know what happens when we win one game. The frustration is not to see the same team at home and away.”
He emphasized the need for consistent performance both at home and away. “It’s frustrating to not have this kind of performance again. We need to do this kind of performance away as well. It’s our responsibility to play like this.”
As Martinez prepares for his return, the question remains whether he can become a key player for Amorim’s defensive strategies. His absence has certainly impacted the team’s stability, and his potential return could provide the much-needed boost for Manchester United as they face challenging fixtures ahead.
With the upcoming match against Ipswich and the difficult trip to Liverpool, the pressure is on for both Martinez and Amorim to deliver results. The club’s fans are hoping for a strong showing from their star defender and a successful start to the new season under the new management.
